Research in Applied Microbiology:Instead of viewing contaminants as foreign hazards that need to be removed from an environment, I see them as nutrients and energy trapped in a form that is disruptive to the cycles of their surrounding environment. The challenge is to transform them into a useful or neutral form. I am interested in using modern microbiology and biogeochemistry technology to assess community-level pathways and design the most effective microbial communities for specific bioremediation applications. I am currently working on a PhD in environmental biogeochemistry.Diversity and Social Justice in the Sciences:As a dyslexic woman in the sciences who grew up in a family well-below the poverty line, I can personally relate to some of the many ways privilege can influence the accessibility of higher education. Social justice is a firm value of mine and I believe that I can and must use the privileges that I do have to promote equality through my work as an academic and an educator. I believe we must proactively work to counter the systemic disadvantages that deter women and minority students from STEM fields, or we will continue to receive only the students who already believe they belong here.Teaching and Outdoor Education:I have seven years of experience in tutoring math and science, and two years of experience mentoring undergraduates in a laboratory setting. I also have extensive experience in outdoor education, which is a powerful medium to convey my work to the public and to inspire environmental stewardship.