I am an avid learner and a reliable team player, as my top five strengths are harmony, input, achiever, discipline, and consistency.Currently, I am working towards my Master of Science in Forestry at Virginia Tech, with an expected completion date of May 2025. Under the guidance of Dr. Brian Strahm, I am studying change detectability in belowground carbon stocks with a focus on loblolly pine ecosystems. This project has the potential to become a benchmark for both public and private land managers interested in using soils to offset anthropogenic carbon emissions that contribute heavily to climate change. I attended Furman University, having received a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Environmental Science in May of 2022. Through a variety of courses and research experiences during my time at Furman, I developed an interest in soil sciences, particularly in a multidisciplinary context. Whether visiting local farms to assess how land management impacts soil health or learning about the geologic nuances of groundwater systems, I have learned to view the environment from an interactive systems perspective and admire the interconnectedness of soil with all facets of environmental science. After graduation, I participated in the GeoCorps and First Pres Fellows Programs. With GeoCorps, I explored Superior National Forest in Minnesota as a Soils Research and Restoration Assistant, bolstering my field skills in pedology and plant identification. During the First Pres Fellows Program, I served the local church in Colorado Springs, CO while gaining leadership competencies and reflecting on my career and personal aspirations. My internship associated with this nine-month fellowship was researching landscape ecology as a Furman University Post-Baccalaureate Research Fellow under Dr. John Quinn. Ultimately, I hope to apply my academic learning to a job with a land management agency interested in the holistic preservation and betterment of the environment. My breadth of experiences makes me adaptable to many roles and demonstrates my competency to learn quickly and achieve. I seek adventure and new experiences both personally and professionally to maximize the opportunity for growth as a young professional. Through this platform, I hope to network with others that recognize the benefits of interconnectedness--whether it be ecologically, professionally, or personally--to find opportunities for growth and exploration of new experiences.