About

I grew up in Western Washington on the Puget Sound playing on the beaches and exploring tidepools. I decided I wanted to study marine biology after a trip to Mexico. My family and I participated in an ecotourism excursion at a sea turtle sanctuary where we released hatchlings into the ocean. This was one of the most amazing and impactful experiences I have ever had. When I returned home from my trip, I watched documentary after documentary and read book after book about the ocean.

I recently graduated from Brigham Young University-Hawaii with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology.  While in college, I volunteered with Malama i na Honu and the Oahu Sea Turtle Nesting Team educating about Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, protecting basking turtles, and surveying several beaches for nests.  I was also been able to participate in a mentored research class where I got to work on a coral restoration project. This project, and being able to work hands on with coral, has sparked a new interest and love for corals! I continued to further my love for coral by interning with Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in their Coral Gene Bank. 

After graduation I started working on a whale watching boat educating people about humpback whales and other marine species. This job was so much fun because I was able to see humpback whales up close. I also started working at a local aquarium called Sea Life Park. I get to work every day with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, sharks, and a variety of reef fish.