McNair Scholar

Roycemore School
Mount Prospect, Ill.
Marine Science

Career plans: Our oceans are rife with overfishing. Sustainable aquaculture can protect our ocean ecosystems, reduce food insecurity by providing healthy protein sources, and create a strong cohort of green jobs. I want to work on national seafood policy to encourage the growth of an innovative aquaculture industry in our country.

Most impactful experience: During my time with the Conservation Voters of South Carolina, I had the opportunity to lobby five congressional offices on fisheries policy. Seeing congressional support for fisheries policy on both sides of the aisle was invigorating. This chance to personally advocate for a cause I'm passionate about was an empowering experience.

Best part of the Top Scholars program: The sense of community at Scholar Weekend immediately made UofSC feel like a good fit. I met some of my closest friends at that weekend, and I am incredibly grateful for the support my Top Scholar peers have given me over the last four years. Having such a motivated and successful circle of peers pushes me to achieve all that I can.

UofSC Story: Working with Sustainable Carolina for the last three years has changed my life. With so many events and workplaces becoming virtual, the pandemic made our work very challenging. However, I was constantly inspired by the passion of my peers toward sustainability; we learned to appreciate the small wins, and I began to notice when others on campus shared our excitement about a greener future. Sustainable Carolina taught me to be flexible in the faces of challenges and to enjoy being a leader even in murky waters. In my career, I will be a far better advocate for the environment because of my time in the organization. I am incredibly appreciative of both the graduate mentors who pushed me to maximize my potential and the peers who shared my interests and became genuine friends.