Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Miami, Florida! But more specifically, Key Biscayne.
Where did you go to school and in what subject did you get your degree(s)?
I am currently pursuing a Master of Professional Science in Environment, Culture, and Media at the University of Miami. I previously earned my bachelor’s in environmental studies and multimedia storytelling at the New York University Gallatin School of Individualized Study.
How did you come to work at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center?
I grew up on Key Biscayne, snorkeling in the seagrass nearly every weekend with my father. When I studied at NYU, I received a scholarship for a remote summer class that led to an Intro to Ecology course. From there, I dived fully into environmental studies and loved studying every minute of it in New York City. While the hustle of the Big Apple was exciting, I found myself pining for Miami and its familiar waters, so I enrolled at the University of Miami.
The moment that I had an opportunity to intern at the Southeast Fisheries Science Center, a location I’d grown up driving or biking past, I couldn’t turn it down.
What do you do at the science center?
I am currently working on an outreach event that will be an opportunity for NOAA scientists to discuss their research on a panel with local organizations working in similar fields. The goal is to foster an open dialogue between local residents who would like to learn more about the research of NOAA and relevant groups who can offer action items and volunteer opportunities for those to get involved. I hope that, through my work on this project, it can become a model for similar initiatives in the future for the center and local engagement in the Miami area and across the Southeast.
What do you like most about your position?
So far, I’ve really enjoyed learning the process behind web stories and other content developed by the communications team and other interns. I love seeing the creativity and teamwork of my peers. In general, I have been learning a lot about community engagement and outreach done from experienced staff. I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn and meet such a wonderful, inspiring team of people who all come from a mosaic of backgrounds.
What advice would you have for someone interested in a career at NOAA Fisheries?
Don’t give into imposter syndrome. Put in the work and you’ll always reap the rewards, even if it isn’t obvious at the moment.
Is there a book, quote, or person that influenced you to be the person that you are today? Tell us why.
I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my incredible mom, Violette. She has shown me that you can make a future from anything. She pushes me to always be the best I can be and that if I set my mind to it, I can accomplish anything.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I snorkel whenever I can, experiment with composting, dabble in sourdough starters, train my cat to do tricks, hang out with my roommates, write stories for magazines, and—more recently—work on ceramics!
