How I came to be so enamored with coral reefs is a regular topic of curiosity in my family. I grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and the nearest thing to an ocean is the decidedly unsalted Lake Michigan. However, I was hooked after seeing the exhibits at the Shedd Aquarium. I started volunteering and joined Shedd’s High School Marine Biology program trip to the Bahamas. I studied abroad at SFS TCI in the Fall 2015 semester and completed directed research with Heidi and my classmates on health trends of the coral reef, and my portion focused on coral recruitment and substrate characteristics. In 2016 I conducted research on invasive lionfish behavior as part of a summer REU program in Little Cayman. After graduation, I worked as an intern with CIEE Research Station Bonaire, a coral restoration technician with the Nature Conservancy in St. Croix, and a camp counselor for Sail Caribbean in the British Virgin Islands.

Before starting the role as the Research Project Manager and Aquarist, I returned to South Caicos and worked as the Diving Safety Officer to facilitate underwater education, exploration, and research opportunities for our students. One of my favorite moments of the semester is the first ocean dive of the Open Water course and seeing student reactions to the environment and the abundant life within. Now, I am excited to manage our coral research and restoration program. There is a lot of good work ahead to conserve our coral communities for future generations, and I look forward to involving our students, community, and stakeholders in the process.