While I grew up far from the ocean in west Texas, I always had a fascination with nature and living things. My interest in the ocean was first sparked on a scuba dive in Roatan, Honduras after graduating high school. Then, I did my Open Water certification during my time at Texas Tech University, where I studied Biology. In spring 2020, I studied abroad at SFS CMRS, where my passion for marine science and conservation blossomed. Unfortunately, my time there was cut short due to COVID-19, but I always hoped to return to South Caicos someday. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I went on to earn a master’s degree from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at UC Santa Barbara, studying Coastal Marine Resources Management. There, I learned valuable skills for a career in marine conservation and worked with a global nonprofit to protect surf breaks from degradation for the benefit of local communities that depend on them. I also enjoyed working as a teaching assistant for classes like introductory biology and genetics. Since graduating with my master’s, I earned my PADI Divemaster certification in Key Largo, Florida. I am thrilled to return to CMRS as a Waterfront Assistant, and I am looking forward to helping students discover the beauty of the ocean and contributing to community-focused research projects. When not diving, I enjoy playing tennis and working on my photography skills.