What is your previous work experience?

Prior to coming to the Nicholas School, I was a non-traditional undergraduate student at North Carolina State University. While there, I worked for the Forestry and Environmental Resources Department, gaining experience in forest management. I also interned as a field technician with the Applied Aquatic Ecology Laboratory assisting with water quality sampling across the Neuse River Basin. For the past year, I've worked for Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association, a non-profit watershed protection organization in Durham, North Carolina, assisting with urban nature preserve management and green stormwater infrastructure installation. This experience solidified my interest in water resources management and has given me a strong working knowledge of the challenges faced by highly urbanized streams and some of the measures we can take to improve their quality.

Why did you choose the Nicholas School?

I chose the Nicholas School because of the flexibility that the MEM program offers. I like that I can develop a specialized curriculum within the Water Resources Management program area that best suits my interests and career goals. At the same time, I appreciate the Nicholas School's emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach to addressing environmental issues.

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

I'm most looking forward to becoming a part of the Nicholas School community as I get to know the faculty and staff and my peers. I’m excited to be a part of a professional and social network of individuals with diverse backgrounds and interests dedicated to confronting the complex environmental challenges we face. I'm also looking forward to the variety of courses I'll get to take that will prepare me for a meaningful career.

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

I'm interested in the intersection of aquatic ecology and hydrology, also called ecohydrology, and how we can improve freshwater systems to benefit humans and wildlife. I'll be primarily focusing on strengthening my background in ecology through specialized courses and field-based opportunities.

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

After graduation, I will strive to be a leading professional in the field of ecohydrology with a career developing and implementing solutions to mitigate water quality issues faced in the southeastern United States. As we grapple with the effects of climate change and mounting anthropogenic pressures on our water resources, communities need individuals who will prioritize listening to their unique water management challenges to create effective, targeted solutions. With an education from the Nicholas School and opportunities for collaboration with Duke University’s extensive professional network, I know I will be well-prepared to address our current and future critical water resources issues at any level.