- Pronouns: she/her/hers
- Alma mater: University of Rhode Island, B.S., Marine Biology, Class of 2023
- Industry: Graduate student, marine biology, coral-algal symbiosis, microbial ecology
- Other interests: Bicycling, hand embroidery, reading fantasy novels and spending time in and around the ocean.
- Coach: Tim and Laura Petracca
Why did you pick your college major? How did that help lead (or not) to where you are now?
I loved the ocean and always knew I wanted to make a career learning all about it. Now I research coral reef ecosystems, and have also found a passion for DNA and what it can tell us about organisms and their populations.
Did your major change from first year to senior year? Why/how?
No it did not.
How have your career aspirations changed over the years?
I think my career aspirations have changed a bit in the sense that when I started I had a very picturesque view of what a marine biologist does. I wanted to spend my days on the water, tagging sharks, and now, though I still get to spend some time in the field, the majority of my days are spent in the lab or on a computer. I wouldn't have it any other way!
What impact/influence did ZF have on your academic career? Your professional career?
ZF was an amazing support system throughout my career that provided guidance and reassurance in what can be an overwhelming time. The advice I received from my coach about interviews and networking, as well as the reassurance about big decisions, put my mind at ease.
What drew you to ZF? Why did you choose to apply?
I was asked to apply by my high school during a pilot year with ZF. At first, I was attracted to the financial advice that ZF offers, as I was my parents' first child going to college.
Please share your thoughts or ideas for what you would like to see the ZF community become or what you would like to get out of it.
I'd love to just stay connected to ZF. The community is a great space for forward thinkers and I see a lot of value in interacting with alumni and current ZF students.
What services and/or resources were most helpful to you? (At ZF, at your school or somewhere else).
My coach and the guides (interview and there was another one) were super helpful.
What is a misconception that you had as a student about your career and the professional world?
That you have it all figured out. At the end of the day, you should take every opportunity that comes your way even if they did not fit the original plan. Oftentimes the unexpected opportunities lead you to a new and exciting path.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love that I get to spend all day asking and answering questions, and surrounding myself with like minded, curious learners.
What hobbies/interests do you have outside of work? Tell us about them! Why are they your passions and how did you get involved?
I love bicycling, hand embroidery, reading fantasy novels, and spending time in or around the ocean. I feel calm when I can hear waves crashing on a beach, and try to get a few beach walks in each week. I also love collecting sea glass and am trying my hand at making my collection into jewelry.
I loved the ocean and always knew I wanted to make a career learning all about it. Now I research coral reef ecosystems, and have also found a passion for DNA and what it can tell us about organisms and their populations.
Did your major change from first year to senior year? Why/how?
No it did not.
How have your career aspirations changed over the years?
I think my career aspirations have changed a bit in the sense that when I started I had a very picturesque view of what a marine biologist does. I wanted to spend my days on the water, tagging sharks, and now, though I still get to spend some time in the field, the majority of my days are spent in the lab or on a computer. I wouldn't have it any other way!
What impact/influence did ZF have on your academic career? Your professional career?
ZF was an amazing support system throughout my career that provided guidance and reassurance in what can be an overwhelming time. The advice I received from my coach about interviews and networking, as well as the reassurance about big decisions, put my mind at ease.
What drew you to ZF? Why did you choose to apply?
I was asked to apply by my high school during a pilot year with ZF. At first, I was attracted to the financial advice that ZF offers, as I was my parents' first child going to college.
Please share your thoughts or ideas for what you would like to see the ZF community become or what you would like to get out of it.
I'd love to just stay connected to ZF. The community is a great space for forward thinkers and I see a lot of value in interacting with alumni and current ZF students.
What services and/or resources were most helpful to you? (At ZF, at your school or somewhere else).
My coach and the guides (interview and there was another one) were super helpful.
What is a misconception that you had as a student about your career and the professional world?
That you have it all figured out. At the end of the day, you should take every opportunity that comes your way even if they did not fit the original plan. Oftentimes the unexpected opportunities lead you to a new and exciting path.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love that I get to spend all day asking and answering questions, and surrounding myself with like minded, curious learners.
What hobbies/interests do you have outside of work? Tell us about them! Why are they your passions and how did you get involved?
I love bicycling, hand embroidery, reading fantasy novels, and spending time in or around the ocean. I feel calm when I can hear waves crashing on a beach, and try to get a few beach walks in each week. I also love collecting sea glass and am trying my hand at making my collection into jewelry.
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