I’m from Tampa, Florida, but moved to Mississippi in 2021 for work. I have a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, BS in English, and in summer 2020, I completed my Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida Atlantic University. My research modeled invertebrate community dynamics of red mangrove aerial root habitats and specifically focused on the boring isopod, Sphaeroma terebrans. I am a Research Biologist at the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), and my work reflects commitment to sustainability and coastal resilience. In my current role I focus on engineering with nature and the beneficial use of dredged materials across the southeastern United States. I am also contributing to research aimed at integrating natural features for storm-related disaster risk reduction and flood mitigation, and modeling aquatic invasive species spread.