As the Panhandle Manatee Outreach Coordinator with the National Wildlife Federation, I played a pivotal role in amplifying social media presence and organizing events to promote seagrass safety and manatee conservation among volunteers. Leading meetings, training volunteers, and actively engaging with the public, I effectively communicated the significance of manatee conservation efforts.

As a technician for this lab, I had the opportunity to assist in many impactful projects, but one experience that truly taught me more than I could have ever imagined was traveling to Antarctica. Along the West Antarctic Peninsula, I participated in research focused on characterizing the prokaryotic community structure within the Southern Ocean—an ecosystem with significant global ecological impact. While aboard the research vessel, I gained hands-on experience operating CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) equipment, which is crucial for measuring key oceanographic parameters. I also collected plankton samples and water samples from various depths, allowing me to hone my skills in field sampling techniques. The dramatic seasonality of the Southern Ocean provided a unique opportunity to observe how environmental changes influence the abundance and diversity of prokaryotic communities.This Antarctic experience was not just an exercise in research—it expanded my understanding of microbial ecology and the intricate role these organisms play in global carbon flow. It also equipped me with essential fieldwork and analytical skills that I will continue to apply in my work. This unforgettable expedition deepened my passion for marine science and conservation.

During my internship with the Escambia County Marine Resources Division, I conducted water sampling and analysis to evaluate microplastic pollution levels in the bays of Pensacola, FL.