What is your previous work experience? 

As an undergrad, I researched the effects of nano-titanium particles on marine organisms in estuary environments and ultimately presented my thesis on the impact of the dual exposure of ocean acidification and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on organisms in this environment. Beyond the lab, I worked as an intern on the UN Habitat’s Global Report on Urban Youth Employment and a tutor in the Office for Tutoring and Academic Development at St. Joseph’s College.  Post-undergrad, I co-founded the educational platform, Caribbean Youth Development Institute, to provide primary aged students in the Caribbean with online educational resources during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Why did you choose the Nicholas School?

I was drawn to the Nicholas School because it offers the opportunity to explore multiple disciplines as I deepen my knowledge and sharpen my skill set in environmental health. As an undergrad, I studied biology in tandem with political science and I wanted to be a part of a graduate program that seeks to protect the health of humans and the environment by bridging science and policy. That program is the MEM program at the Nic School! Also, during the application program, I was fortunate enough to speak with faculty and one of whom, Professor Meyer, took the time to help me determine if the Nicholas School was the best fit for me. This was an illustration of how much the faculty and staff cared and helped solidify the fact that Nicolas School was the right choice for me. 

Lastly, I am grateful to the donors who made my ability to attend the Nicholas School a reality. As I would not have been able to make the decision to attend without their generosity.

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

I am looking forward to being immersed in a community of faculty and students who are working to solve the world’s most challenging environmental health problems. I can’t wait to learn from the faculty and join the efforts to increase the current level of adaptation and resilience of public health response systems in the face of climate change in low resource communities.

I also will be working as a Cultural & Identity Programming Graduate Assistant in the Center of Multicultural Affairs during my first year and I look forward to bringing the skills that I learn from occupying this role to my future endeavors in the field of global health and the environment.

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

I will be focusing on the area of ecotoxicology and environmental health with a special focus on environmental health and epidemiology. I hope to improve not only my quantitative and project management skills but learn how to improve health surveillance and response in low-resource regions by scaling up community-based efforts to improve wider scale public health resilience and adaptation in these regions.

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

After graduating from the Nicholas School, my goal is to manage public health response systems or work as a public health/health consultant. I plan to continue to impact education in the Caribbean and hopefully have my interests work in tandem to have a greater influence on the field of environmental global health.