I am originally from Bucks County located in southeastern Pennsylvania. I briefly lived in southern New Jersey before finding my way back to Pennsylvania for college and graduate school. 

I grew up enjoying the outdoors, exploring, traveling, and learning. I was, and still am, always asking questions and have a genuine curiosity for the world. This curiosity led me to pursue a bachelor's degree in biology centered around molecular biology. My interest in aquatic sciences and ecosystems rose to the surface after I enrolled in an ecology course at Gwynedd Mercy University and subsequently interned at the Philadelphia Zoo. I went on to complete my master's degree in environmental biology and am now continuing my education as a doctoral student researching water science and policy. 

When I'm not in the lab, field, or classroom, I enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors with activities like hiking, kayaking, or helping horseshoe crabs back into the water to prevent them from getting stranded! I also adopted a puppy in November 2024, and he keeps me busy with tug-of-war, walks, and teaching him new tricks!