I graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s in environmental engineering
in 2021. During my undergraduate years, I conducted three years of research in Dr.
Driscoll's lab, focusing on mercury and methylmercury dynamics in a remote watershed.
My passion for research, particularly my interest of how microbes impact the environment,
led me to join Xuefeng Peng's Microbial Ecology Lab at USC to pursue a PhD in Chemical
Oceanography.
My current research investigates fungi across oxygen gradients in marine environments.
I study how oxygen influences fungal carbon and nitrogen cycling in two systems: Baruch
Salt Marsh in Georgetown, SC and the Eastern Tropical South Pacific, off Chile's coast.
For my work on marine fungi at USC, I was honored with the Sonoma County Mycology
Association Graduate Award.
As a graduate instructor, I've taught Marine Science 210: The Oceans and Society Laboratory.
Teaching non-major students about the relevance of marine science in their lives has
been particularly rewarding. My work experience outside academia was in the service
industry—at a pizzeria, omelet station, wine store, and as a lifeguard—which has enhanced
my interpersonal skills, proving valuable in my graduate studies at USC.
Post-graduation, I aim to continue working with fungi, though I'm keeping my options
open regarding the specific path. Outside the lab, I enjoy visiting Congaree National
Park, playing soccer, and participating in Columbia's city events like First Thursday
and the Food Truck festival.
School of the Earth, Ocean and Environment
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