Tarheel Beginnings

 In 2014, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH) with an M.S. in Marine Sciences, advised by Dr. John Bruno. In 2013, I received my B.S. in Biology from UNC-CH with Highest Honors. 

 Following graduate school, I worked with CIEE Bonaire as a teaching and research assistant then advanced to instructor. I then taught marine and environmental science at the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI). While at CMI, I developed a 30-credit Marine Science Certificate program to build local capacity and support scientific-based decision making regarding RMI's marine resources. 

 I joined Dr. Eirin-Lopez's Environmental Epigenetics Lab at Florida International University (FIU) as a PhD student in 2018. My dissertation research explored coral stress memory, environmental epigenetics, and applications for restoration and was awarded the FIU SEAS Best Dissertation in the Spring of 2024.

 I began scuba diving at age 10 and was instantly drawn to the ocean. I have logged over 300 dives and am a PADI Dive Master and AAUS certified. My broad research interests include coral reef biology, ecology, and conservation. Aside from research and teaching, I am passionate about outreach and science communication. I also enjoy SCUBA diving, traveling, sailing, and underwater photography.