What is your previous work experience?
I worked for two years as an environmental engineer in Honduras, designing and supervising the construction of drinking water treatment plants, with the Honduran NGO Agua Para el Pueblo, as part of the AguaClara program. Part of my time in Honduras was additionally funded by a Fulbright Grant to study the real and perceived impacts of water treatment residue. After returning to the US, I briefly worked for the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality as an analyst with the Safe Drinking Water Information System.

Why did you choose the Nicholas School?
Among similar programs, I chose the Nicholas School for its water program. Other programs seemed to offer different and intriguing skill sets, but I felt as though the Nicholas School offered the best water contextual knowledge and experience. I do not know exactly where my career will lead, but I know I want it to be in water and sanitation.

Do you have any areas of interest or special focus you will undertake during your time at the Nicholas School?
My special interests have helped motivate the Duke Water Network's fall symposium in Environmental Justice in the Water Sector. I try to spend most of my time in and out of classes engaged with these topics, learning how I can best address them now and once I graduate.

What are you looking forward to as a new Nicholas School student?
I am very much looking forward to honing my analytical skills in my coursework, working on my fascinating Masters Project investigating the finance of water infrastructure in shrinking cities, and working with the other members of the Duke Water Network to host a symposium on Environmental Justice in the Water Sector. There are so many research, academic, and learning opportunities to take advantage of that my biggest worry is that I won't have enough time to do everything.

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

I do not yet know what sector I will end up in for my professional life, but I plan to use my technical skills and knowledge to help address inequity in access to safe water and sanitation services both domestically and abroad.