What’s your current position at your brewery, and how did you get started in the craft brewing industry?
I am the lab manager at Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, Mich. I studied chemistry in college and didn’t want to head down the path of medical school. I was job hunting and found an opportunity at a local brewery. After joining the industry, I fell in love with beer and the brewery culture.

What’s new at Bell’s?
There’s always something new going on. We are constantly working on piloting new beers. The physical building always seems to be changing. Most notably, we have a new awesome community garden happening this year!

What’s the best part of being a part of the craft brewing community?
This is an easy question to answer. The people are what make the brewing community so wonderful! I have the privilege of coming to work with motivated, passionate, problem-solving folks. Collectively, we all want to make the best beer possible.

Name a favorite food and beer pairing.
A strong blue cheese and a Best Brown Ale.

What’s your biggest accomplishment unrelated to your job?
I have run a marathon, several half marathons, and recently completed my first triathlon. I have also knit some cool stuff and learned how to spin yarn recently.

What’s your favorite beer from another brewery?
Fresh Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

What do you like to do in your time away from the brewery?
Run, bike, swim, knit, drink beer, hike, travel, cook.

What’s the most memorable travel destination at which you’ve had a chance to sample the local beer?
Most recently I was able to sample the local watering holes in Bozeman, Mont. The landscape was breathtaking and the beer was delicious! It was amazing to enjoy both simultaneously.