I have attended USC for both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marine science. During undergrad, I attended an REU at Bigelow Laboratories for Ocean Sciences, where I looked at seaweed coloration and how that changes with quantity and during desiccation. I also began to study marine heatwaves through satellite temperature data, which became my master's research. I knew I wanted to do research full time as a career in the field of physical oceanography, but I discovered there where very few opportunities for only bachelor’s degrees for physical research, so I decided to pursue my master’s degree at USC.

                While receiving my master's, I studied marine heatwaves and how the atmosphere, anticyclonic eddies, and the Gulf Stream effected these events. I also investigated the relationship between air-sea interactions and salinity. After graduating with my master’s degree, I joined Dr. Erin Meyer-Gutbrod's lab to pursue my PhD and continue reaching academic milestones at USC! It is so exciting to learn about whales and acoustics alongside my own research interests and endeavors. I plan to continue to study marine heatwaves and their effects on the ecosystem. I am currently focusing on how the heat is being trapped and how it is affecting zooplankton population dynamics in the Gulf of Maine. This past summer I attended a wonderful workshop about marine heatwaves and worked on mini projects alongside professionals in my field.

                As an instructional assistant, I have taught several semesters of Marine Science 101: The Ocean Environment Laboratory and Marine Science 314: Physical Oceanography Laboratory. My favorite aspect of teaching these labs is how the wave and density material in the 101 lab combines with the internal wave labs in 314.

                After I graduate from USC, I want to continue doing research, but I don't have an idea of who I want to work for yet. I am very early into my PhD, so I will have plenty of time with a post-doc to figure out where I want to work. I do want to continue focusing on topics concerning the biological impacts of physical dynamics or extreme events. Outside of my research, I enjoy crafting and playing videos games. I also frequent Earlwood park with my husband for their disc golf course and go on the occasional hike. I have 3 wonderfully stupid cats that I constantly talk about.