I have always been passionate about the natural world and our place in it. After enrollment to the University of Iowa, my excitement and interest in earth sciences only deepened. The more I learned about the ecological intricacies inherent in the natural world and the impact that human activity is having on them, the more excited I became about entering the workforce. The University of Iowa provided me with a great depth and breadth of knowledge concerning earth sciences, contemporary environmental issues and environmental policy, as well as technological skills necessary in today's workforce. I developed a particular interest in sustainability and conservation, especially in regard to our infrastructural systems, and food and waste streams. This interest was initially inspired by the networks in natural ecosystems and translated into my interest in parallel networks in human societies. These networks are all necessary to the functionality of everyday life, and can often operate inefficiently- from cradle to grave. My objectives in the coming year are to gain a position in conservation, restoration, or land management.