About Me

As part of a military family, I grew up moving from place to place, but one constant was my admiration for Louisiana State University (LSU). My childhood was split between Okinawa, Japan, and Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, and while living overseas, I traveled throughout Southeast Asia, where my fascination with wildlife and exotic animals began. LSU has continued to nurture that passion through my major, offering hands-on learning experiences outdoors, exploring Louisiana's ecosystems, and applying what I learn in the field.

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Growing up, I believed becoming a veterinarian was the only career path to working with animals. However, my experiences have shown me there are many paths to making a difference in the field of animal science. Through my research at LSU and my internship at the Dallas Zoo, I discovered a strong interest in disease ecology and animal behavior, particularly in understanding how health and behavior impact wildlife populations. These experiences have inspired me to pursue graduate school and continue contributing to research that supports conservation, animal welfare, and ecosystem health.

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Outside of academics, I love spending time outdoors, reading, and being with my friends and family. I am always eager to learn something new and connect with others who share a passion for wildlife and conservation.