An observer of nature, I was taught from a young age to notice, to be inquisitive, and attempt to understand subtle changes in the world around me. Through close observation I learned about the world. At the time I did not realize it, but I have always been intrigued by scientific study. Growing up in southern California, I could swim before I could walk and scuba dive before I could drive. I was very fortunate to be surrounded by water and grow up surfing, sailing, and diving. I first knew I wanted to pursue a career in science when I sailed aboard the SSV Robert C. Seamans as a part of a SEA Semester at Sea summer program in high school. Standing watch and completing experiments opened another world for me, and I was hooked!

Just in my lifetime I have seen the degradation of marine ecosystems. What were once healthy, vibrant reefs flourishing with life are now silent, gray, and dying marine deserts. This is unprecedented change in a very short period, and I view it as a call to action. Much of the beauty I fell in love with as a child is gone, and the global impact of habitat loss has yet to be realized. I want to dedicate my life to reducing and reversing this ecological erosion restoring what we have lost.

As a graduate of Duke University, I double majored in Biology and Environmental Science concentrating in Ecology and Marine Science and Conservation. I worked on my senior thesis, “Quantifying the Benthic Footprint of Artificial Reefs on the Southeastern USA Continental Shelf” with Dr. Avery Paxton in Dr. Brian Silliman’s lab and graduated with distinction (read the publication here and most recent publication here).

I defended my Masters thesis from University of Guam in March 2024 where I worked with Drs. Peter Houk and Laurie Raymundo to model and evaluate the effectiveness of potential coral restoration efforts (watch my defense here). 

As a 2024 Sea Grant Knauss Fellow I served as a Congressional Affairs Specialist in NOAA's Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs in Washington, DC. My portfolio included the National Marine Fisheries Service (NE Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, and Great Lakes), Office of Education, Arctic Action Team, NOAA in the Caribbean, and Regional Collaboration Network. In this role I served as the policy & planning authority for NOAA's policies and priorities with Congress, intergovernmental agencies, and tribes. On a daily basis I developed and prepared drafts and other official documents for hearings, meetings, briefings, and other external events involving Members of Congress, staff, and their constituents to increase their understanding of NOAA’s work and mission. I was honored to be recognized as the first fellow to receive NOAA Team Member of the Month.

I am currently serving as an Independent Scientist for Yap State Government representing the island in a NEPA Environmental Impact Statement scoping process as the DOD plans to expand both the airport and seaport in Yap, FSM.