What is your previous work experience?

During my undergraduate degree, I worked as a research assistant on a variety of projects studying coral reef ecosystems in the Tropical Pacific through the Institute for Oceans and Fisheries. This work included developing methods for determining human impact on small atolls, mapping global bleaching probability, and analyzing the biological ability of corals to adapt to bleaching events. I've also worked in the public parks sector on the county level, in marketing for sustainable adventure tourism, and most recently, as a field supervisor for commercial fishing monitoring on the West Coast of Canada.

Why did you choose the Nicholas School?

I chose the Nicholas School for its interdisciplinary and practical approach to a master's degree. I also knew the coursework in community-based management, coastal systems, and technical skills would prepare me for my career goals in coastal and marine management. I didn't have to choose between exploring natural science topics, social topics, and marine lab experience, I could have it all with the MEM program. Not to mention, the Nicholas School provides access to esteemed faculty in my areas of interest in fisheries and social intersections of marine conservation.

What are you looking forward to as a new Nicholas School student?

I'm looking forward to connecting with a group of emerging environmental leaders and learning from my peers! There are so many talented individuals with all sorts of backgrounds coming together here to take on the world's biggest environmental problems. I'm also very excited to spend my second year as a CEM at the Beaufort Marine Laboratory, gaining hands-on experience while learning about coastal and marine systems (and living by the beach of course!)

Do you have any areas of interest or special focus you will undertake during your time at the Nicholas School?

I hope to continue to explore my interests in small-scale fisheries management, reef ecosystems, and bottom-up community management practices. I'm also interested in community and ecosystem resilience, resource governance, and the intersections between ecological, social, and economic sustainability in marine resource management.

What plans do you have for your career after the Nicholas School?

After pursuing my MEM, I hope to work in the public sector on community-based resource management strategies. I intend to work first on the local level, helping communities manage their own resource use, safeguard their rights, and utilize their local knowledge for holistic sustainability outcomes. Eventually, I hope to work at the federal level, utilizing my experiences to shape national policy into a model that reflects individualized, yet connected small-scale strategies for coastal and marine resource management.