Personal Statement
Ecology is the ultimate story of connection.
Every organism, habitat, and process is woven into an intricate web of life. A fish nibbling algae off seagrass or a crab scuttling beneath mangroves ripple outward — the smallest shifts cascade through entire ecosystems.
Nothing exists in isolation.
All ecosystems mirror this broader truth: collaboration and interdependence are at the heart of resilience. Without mangroves, our coastal communities aren’t protected from storms. Without symbiotic algae and herbivorous invertebrates, the already imperiled coral reefs don’t stand a chance.
Thriving depends on working together.
This interconnectedness fuels my passion to immerse, observe, and seek answers —in my life and in the natural world around me.
I am blessed to have had opportunities to work in dynamic, collaborative field environments across diverse nearshore habitats in the Florida Keys and Caribbean as a scientific diver applying rigorous methodologies to restore and maintain coral reef health and as an ecotour charter captain who contributed to wildlife conservation research and marine mammal protection.
Supporting management & monitoring for one of the world’s largest coral restoration projects before, during, and after a global marine heatwave has profoundly shaped my focus on applied science.
It also underscored the importance of stakeholder collaboration and the urgency of developing solutions to pressing environmental issues under climate change pressures.
The biggest lesson Is offered is That resilience, adaptability, & alignment are just as essential to us as they are the marine ecosystems we’re working to protect.
The complex challenges our marine ecosystems face require diverse perspectives & expertise to develop meaningful solutions. When each player brings their unique genius to the table, collective intention coupled with right action is powerful.
In my life in and in the field, I strive to meet obstacles with curiosity & an eye towards sustainable solutions & innovative, holistic thinking.
By leveraging my research experience & ability to provide safety & efficiency in operations alongside my background in strategic & creative communications, project management, & stakeholder engagement, I am eager to contribute to rigorous, collaborative, & interdisciplinary research & projects within a positive work culture & a mission of creating practical, sustainable solutions for our changing world.