About

My educational path has been anything but linear. I began studying Marketing at Northern Michigan University, only to quickly realize the field wasn’t a fit for me though, ironically, it has played a much larger role in my career than I ever anticipated.

I then transferred to Michigan Technological University to pursue Scientific and Technical Communication, with the goal of writing manuals for Volvo. I loved the program, but the global pandemic had other plans for me.

Determined to finish my degree, I transferred again this time to the University of Wisconsin Extended Campus completing my studies online while working as a content writer for a winter sports startup. It was during this time that I discovered Sustainability Management, a field that truly resonated with me. I loved its intersectional approach and its focus on solving the real-world challenges we face today. What excites me most is how it blends persuasive communication and scientific rigor with grounded business practices. As a natural systems thinker, this field and program felt so right for me.

I am now back at Michigan Technological University pursuing graduate studies in Public Policy, with the intention of specializing in Environmental and Energy Policy at the master’s or doctoral level.

My favorite software and tools include Lightroom CC for photo editing, Procreate for digital drawing, and Adobe Creative Suite for side projects like design and video editing. I also rely on Notion for life planning and organization, keeping everything streamlined and efficient. Additionally, I use Tableau, Squarespace, WordPress, HubSpot, and Meta Planner on a weekly basis for data analysis, website management, content creation, and planning.

What sets me apart is my ability to combine creativity, science, and sustainability with uncommon resilience. My background in photography, marketing, and conservation allows me to approach problems from multiple angles while keeping community and environmental impact at the center. That tenacity was forged at Michigan Tech—where I surfed Lake Superior in subfreezing temperatures after long days of coursework. Those experiences taught me endurance, adaptability, and calm under pressure, qualities I bring to both my creative work and strategic decision-making.

I take great pride in the work I’ve done, from documenting the lives and stories of loved ones through my photography business to contributing to meaningful conservation efforts across Michigan. Whether capturing memories, restoring native trout streams through dam removal projects, or supporting shoreline protection initiatives, this work has deepened my connection to my community, strengthened my pride in this state, and made Michigan truly feel like home.

I still aspire to become a Director of Sustainability for an outdoor or action-sports company such as Arc’teryx, Salomon, or NSP Surfboards, or to return to the ski industry in a sustainability-focused role. Integrating my education in sustainability, energy, and environmental policy with my lifelong connection to outdoor sports represents the ideal intersection of purpose and profession for me.

In the meantime, I value living in a community grounded in higher education, research, and public service. Being surrounded by R1-level research in a rural region has reinforced my interest in energy and environmental policy that delivers tangible benefits at the local level. Engaging with students, researchers, and community members allows me to contribute to place-based solutions, strengthen community resilience, and help translate academic research into real-world impact.