I graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s in environmental engineering in 2021. During my undergraduate years, I conducted three years of research in Dr. Driscoll's lab, focusing on mercury and methylmercury dynamics in a remote watershed. My passion for research, particularly my interest of how microbes impact the environment, led me to join Xuefeng Peng's Microbial Ecology Lab at USC to pursue a PhD in Chemical Oceanography.

My current research investigates fungi across oxygen gradients in marine environments. I study how oxygen influences fungal carbon and nitrogen cycling in two systems: Baruch Salt Marsh in Georgetown, SC and the Eastern Tropical South Pacific, off Chile's coast. For my work on marine fungi at USC, I was honored with the Sonoma County Mycology Association Graduate Award. 

As a graduate instructor, I've taught Marine Science 210: The Oceans and Society Laboratory. Teaching non-major students about the relevance of marine science in their lives has been particularly rewarding. My work experience outside academia was in the service industry—at a pizzeria, omelet station, wine store, and as a lifeguard—which has enhanced my interpersonal skills, proving valuable in my graduate studies at USC.

Post-graduation, I aim to continue working with fungi, though I'm keeping my options open regarding the specific path. Outside the lab, I enjoy visiting Congaree National Park, playing soccer, and participating in Columbia's city events like First Thursday and the Food Truck festival.