Five Questions
What would be your dream job and how did EMS put you closer to this goal?
My dream job is to work as a researcher studying air-sea interactions, likely with an organization like NOAA or NCAR or at a university. EMS puts me closer to this goal through in-depth coursework in a very well-respected program, research experience since early in my undergraduate career, unique experiences to enrich my education, and a great support system of faculty and staff who are behind me every step of the way.
What student organizations and activities are you involved in?
I am an Ambassador for the College of EMS and am also involved with EMS Student Council, EMS THON, EMSAGE, and the Penn State Branch of the American Meteorological Society (PSUBAMS). I am in the Schreyer Honors College, where I am an Ambassador for the college in addition to being a Peer Leader for the Schreyer Honors Orientation Program (SHO Time) and instructing a course for first-year scholars (LA 197). I am a member of the Pride of the Lions Pep Band where I play the alto saxophone. I am also involved in undergraduate research on campus where I study biogeochemistry and air-sea interactions in the Chesapeake Bay with Dr. Ray Najjar and Dr. Maria Herrmann.
Why did you decide to attend Penn State?
Penn State has a really great program for Atmospheric Science, which is what initially attracted me to it. I also really loved all of the different opportunities and resources that were available here. Coming from a small high school, it made me a little nervous to go to such a large university, but having smaller communities within EMS and Schreyer made me feel like I was getting the best of both worlds. I feel like I’m able to be a part of smaller tight-knit communities within a large school that provides me with all the opportunities I could ever want.
What is one piece of advice you would give to prospective students?
Take advantage of as many opportunities as you possibly can. There are more things than you could ever possibly imagine going around campus, and you’ll most likely never again be surrounded by so many opportunities to meet new people, experience different things, and explore your various interests. Try to say “yes” to as many opportunities as you can, because you never know where they might lead you.
What opportunities has Penn State provided for you so far?
I have been involved in research since the second semester of my first year starting initially with the WISER NASA PA Space Grant Research Program, which was an incredible opportunity. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Iceland for a few weeks during the summer after my first year through the GREEN Program and I will study abroad in England at the University of Southampton for the entirety of the Spring 2024 semester through an exchange program for my Marine Sciences Minor. The great experiences and rigorous coursework that I have had at Penn State prepared me for a research internship during the summer after my second year through a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU) and helped me to be accepted into the prestigious NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship Program, which allows me to have a research internship with NOAA for the summer after my third year.
