What is your previous work experience? 

After graduating from Duke in 2015, I moved to Colorado to work as a white water raft guide on the Colorado and Arkansas rivers. There, I became very passionate about river health and equitable water management. I later moved to Tel Aviv, Israel, and learned about the problems facing the Jordan River. I've spent the last four years working on a documentary film about the Jordan River and its rapid decline due to transboundary water conflicts in the region. For the last couple of years leading up to my decision to attend the Nicholas School, I lived in Boone, North Carolina, and worked for my town's local Food Council leading the Food Access and Security group. 

Why did you choose the Nicholas School?

I chose the Nicholas School after attending the Duke Water Network's Fall Symposium on Water and Borders. I was impressed with the speakers at the event and as I learned more about the nature of the Water Resource Management concentration, I became very excited about the interdisciplinary nature of the program, as well as utilizing all of the amazing resources Duke has to offer. 

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

I am so excited to get to dedicate so much time to learn more about a topic that I'm very passionate about, namely transboundary water issues and global environmental conflict and peacebuilding. The professors here are at the top of their field and I'm excited to learn from them as well as learn from and collaborate with my fellow students. 

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

I am fascinated with the role that freshwater plays in creating conflict as well as catalyzing peacebuilding efforts around the world. I'm also excited to deepen my skill set around science communication with an aim to be a better advocate for water equity and conflict resolution issues. 

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

After the Nicholas School, I hope to work in a capacity that allows me to communicate about global transboundary water issues and their potential solutions. I'm very interested in community-based environmental solutions and would love nothing more than to be able to amplify and support the amazing work that many people are doing to ensure equitable water management and healthy freshwater systems.