What is your first memory? Perhaps your parents, siblings, or childhood home. For me, it’s fish—specifically Fred and Ginger, my mom’s pet fish. I’d watch them dance around the tank all day. This fascination with the underwater world defined my childhood and became the foundation of my passion for marine biology. Growing up along two biodiversity hotspots—the Cahaba River, one of North America’s most biologically rich waterways, and Choctawhatchee Bay—I spent mornings collecting fish, invertebrates, and macroalgae for my aquariums, and afternoons watching Finding Nemo on repeat. 

My early years were filled with fishing trips with my grandfather, freediving with sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, and scouring the library for ichthyology books. My curiosity only grew stronger as I saw environmental issues like algal blooms and invasive species in my own backyard. By age 10, I was no longer content with just observing the world around me—I wanted to understand it. I designed a research project investigating the boom-and-bust cycles of anemones and filefish in seagrass beds. I contacted researchers at The Gulfarium, a local aquarium, for guidance on this project. It was my first self-led research study, sparking my drive to understand the "why" behind the natural world.

As I grew older, I leaned into my nickname "Fish Boy," which was meant to poke fun at me for lugging around ichthyology textbooks in elementary school, but I embraced it with pride. My mom played a crucial role in shaping this confidence, always saying, “Be excellent!”, as I left for school each day. This mantra became my guiding principle, urging me to pursue excellence in everything I did—especially in my studies and my love for marine life. During hurricane season, I’d battle wind, rain, and hail to collect sargassum washed ashore, combing through every branch like it was treasure. Hidden in the tangles, I found non-native crabs, shrimp, and larval fish, which I’d attempt to raise at home. My bathroom became an impromptu aquaculture lab—culturing Artemia in two-liter bottles to raise seahorses, trunkfish, and spadefish. My grandmother wasn’t thrilled with the mess, but she humored my “science experiments”, as I called them, as long as I promised to (try to) keep things clean. 

This relentless pursuit of knowledge and hands-on experimentation laid the foundation for my professional path in marine biology. The journey from a curious child to a confident advocate for marine life profoundly shaped my aspirations, solidifying my commitment to understanding and protecting our oceans. As a reef aquarist in high school, news of the first captive-bred Yellow tang at Hawai‘i Pacific University’s Oceanic Institute flipped my world upside down. From that moment, I knew I had to be there, on the leading edge of aquaculture research. So, despite the uncertainties of a global pandemic, I packed my bags and moved over 4,500 miles from my small town in Alabama to the island of O‘ahu. Here, I feel a deep connection to the ʻāina, culture, and history of these islands, but more importantly, I feel a responsibility—a sense of kuleana—to contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems, educate others, and help build a sustainable future for Hawai‘i. 

Upon arriving on O‘ahu, I immersed myself in every research opportunity available. I joined Hawai‘i Pacific University’s (HPU) research vessel Kaholo, where I conducted coral and fish surveys, deployed oceanographic equipment, and designed a project investigating coral health and wave energy in Kaneohe Bay. Simultaneously, I began as a Student Intern at the Oceanic Institute (OI) Finfish Program under Dr. Chatham Callan—the very lab that had drawn me across the world. At OI, I gained hands-on training in broodstock care of Yellow tang, Coral grouper, Potter’s angelfish, Moi, and many other species. I also assisted graduate students with data collection on larval Yellow tang using microphotography, documenting morphometric data and developmental milestones. Through my dedication and reliability, I proved myself as an indispensable asset to the program as I was given the full responsibility of daily broodstock care, a remarkable feat as a first year intern. This foundational training was critical to my ability to conduct my own independent research later in my undergraduate career and gave me an in-depth understanding of the nutrition, spawning conditions, daily care, and data collection required for sustainable aquaculture.

The combination of hands-on research and rigorous academic coursework propelled me forward, both as a scientist and a leader. During my time at HPU, I was hired as a Research Technician at OI while leading as Captain of the Cross Country team, Treasurer of the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a member of the International Vocal Ensemble, a student ambassador for the Honors Program, and a student mentor. Balancing these leadership roles with my research, academics, and job was a challenge, but it instilled in me a tenacity and courage that now define how I approach every task. In recognition of my leadership, academic, and athletic performance, I was awarded the Elizabeth K. Anderson Excellence in Marine Science Scholarship and the Martin I. Anderson Student-Athlete Academic Excellence Scholarship.

The trajectory of my academic and research experience underscores my commitment to developing new scientific knowledge and refining marine aquaculture practices. As I gained experience and progressed academically, I proposed an original aquaculture research project focusing on the Hawaiian endemic Potter’s angelfish (Centropyge potteri). This species had no published literature on its captive breeding, larval growth, and rearing processes which provided a unique opportunity to contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of this fish while also aiding in the conservation of a species found only in Hawai‘i. I independently designed rearing trials, tracking larval growth and survival for each of the twelve tanks to compare feeding regime, stocking density, and water parameters. Larvae were sampled and microphotographs were used to assess morphometric data and developmental milestones. I used ANCOVA analysis to compare growth and survival rates of C. potteri larvae between rearing protocols, allowing me to optimize rearing techniques in real-time. Simultaneously I gathered daily broodstock spawning data for over two years, providing the first detailed data on Potter’s angelfish captive spawning behavior and fecundity. While I faced hardships with large hatchery die-offs from major weather events, I continued to collect data and scale up my trials with the help of my team at OI.

Based on my findings, I iteratively adjusted the rearing protocols to optimize survival, ultimately developing the first tailored rearing protocol for this species. My undergraduate project, now submitted for publication in the Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, resulted in the first large cohort of Potter’s angelfish juveniles ever produced in captivity and represents the first documentation of their early development and aquaculture techniques. The fish raised during this project are now on display in aquariums worldwide, showcasing the global impact of my work.

In addition to my work with C. potteri, I sought to broaden my scientific perspective through interdisciplinary research as part of my Honors Program thesis. Collaborating with environmental economist Dr. Regina Ostergaard-Klem, I explored the broader impacts of Hawai‘i’s aquarium fish collection ban on the pet trade and the potential for ornamental aquaculture as a sustainable industry for the state. I conducted interviews with stakeholders, compiled economic data, and developed policy scenarios to evaluate the effects on different groups including native Hawaiians, the tourism industry, and state agencies. I consulted law students, industry leaders, and policy advocates to ensure the integrity of my work. My results showed that the collection ban led to increased investment in marine ornamental aquaculture, providing a viable path forward for this industry. My interdisciplinary approach, combining biological and economic data with community impacts, provided a framework for policymakers to make informed regulatory decisions. This experience sharpened my ability to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives to create meaningful results.

After graduating early in Fall 2023, I was promoted to a full-time Research Assistant at OI. As an integral part of the Finfish Program, I now mentor undergraduate and master's student interns in broodstock care, guiding them through both daily responsibilities and the technical aspects of aquaculture research. My academic and professional journey has honed my skills in experimental design, independent research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and science education.

Presenting at university symposiums and national conferences, such as the 2024 Annual American Fisheries Society Meeting, where I earned the Best Student Poster Award out of 200 students, has allowed me to engage with the broader scientific community. 

Running has been a constant in my life since middle school, shaping both my mindset and work ethic. At Hewitt-Trussville High School, I competed in varsity cross country and track under Coach David Dobbs, developing a deep appreciation for the discipline and teamwork the sport demands.

I continued my athletic career at Hawai‘i Pacific University under Coach Jackie Sgambati, competing at the NCAA Division II level while balancing academics, research, and leadership roles. As team captain and a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, I worked to foster a strong, supportive team culture and represent student-athlete interests.

Today, I stay connected to the sport as a Volunteer Assistant Coach at HPU. Running has taught me consistency, perseverance, and how to lead by example, lessons that continue to guide me in research, mentorship, and life.

Music has been a very important part of my life since middle school. I began studying classical piano under Luda Hoskins and started teaching piano at age 16, which allowed me to share my love of music with others early on. I continue to play in my free time and have performed in and won talent competitions at Hawai‘i Pacific University.

Singing has always been just as central to me. I was part of choir throughout school, making All State Choir all four years of high school in Alabama and performing with the Hewitt Trussville Chamber Choir under Allen Gillespie. At HPU, I received a vocal scholarship to join the International Vocal Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Alec Schumacker. Through that experience, I expanded my vocal range and versatility by performing in a variety of styles and languages including Hawaiian.

These ensembles also gave me meaningful opportunities to connect with the community. In high school, I participated in Marathon Day, where we sang throughout Birmingham including hospitals, the airport, and retirement homes during the holiday season. At HPU, learning traditional Hawaiian songs often included visiting the places the music came from, deepening our understanding before performing. I have also had the privilege of performing with community choirs across O‘ahu, which has allowed me to share music in a way that builds connection to community members, families, and leaders.

I have loved being in the water for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I spent hours swimming in my dad’s backyard exploring the Choctawhatchee Bay, catching fish and invertebrates and getting to know the creatures I was fascinated by. That early curiosity naturally led me into diving. In high school, I earned my PADI Open Water SCUBA certification and later became Level 1 certified in freediving through FII.

These days, freediving is a big part of both my personal life and my research. I have logged countless hours in the water around Hawai‘i, often collecting reef fish for aquaculture projects and research efforts. Freediving has become more than just a skill. It is a way for me to connect directly with the ocean, observe natural behavior up close, and stay grounded in the environments I care about most.

Throughout my undergraduate journey, I have been honored to receive recognition for academic achievement, research contributions, leadership, and service. In 2024, I was awarded Best Student Poster at the 2024 American Fisheries Society national conference, highlighting my research on Hawaiian reef fish aquaculture at the national level. 

I was a recipient of the Elizabeth K. Anderson Excellence in Marine Science Scholarship from 2021 to 2023, and the M. I. Anderson Student-Athlete Academic Excellence Scholarship from 2022 to 2023. I received additional support through the Residential Honors Program Scholarship, where I completed my interdisciplinary thesis, and the International Vocal Ensemble Scholarship, which allowed me to pursue vocal performance at HPU.

In recognition of academic success, I was named to the Dean’s List from 2020 to 2023, inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma National Student-Athlete Honor Society, and selected as HPU Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2022.

As Team Captain of the Cross Country team, I had the opportunity to represent HPU student-athletes as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) executive board. Through SAAC, I represented HPU at conferences across the country, gaining experience in athletic leadership, advocacy, and student governance.

These awards reflect not only individual effort, but also the encouragement and mentorship I’ve received along the way. They continue to motivate me to pursue science that makes a difference both in and beyond the lab.