I am from Suffield, Connecticut but moved to Rhode Island full time to focus on my studies in the ocean state. My studies have centered around different areas of marine affairs, starting with conservation research at the Norman Bird Sanctuary studying salt marsh degradation on the property, and then this kickstarted more research studying the salt marsh degradation in Rhode Island as a whole. As I went through the many different disciplines of marine affairs in my classes I started to hone in with an interest in ocean justice and ocean policymaking. My role as a College of Environment and Life Sciences Student Research Fellow allowed me to tap into this more directly, with the task of creating an Ocean Equity Club at URI as well as research into Ocean Justice Filmmaking and Representation in Ocean and Climate conferences under the direction of Dr. Ota and Ocean Nexus. 

At the University of Rhode Island, ocean and climate related issues are a burning topic, with many students and staff involved in the understanding of our natural world and how humans interact with it. With such a large student body of ocean-minded and ocean-forward studies, it is crucial to have a platform that can gather these minds together to address issues relating to equity. Emphasizing the difference between equality and equity can help students feel that they are making a meaningful difference, and taking in new knowledge and perspectives that wouldn’t otherwise be shared. 

By viewing ocean justice films and documentaries I was able to understand the biases and prejudices that exist in filmmaking that mirrors the injustices in ocean decision making conversations. By understanding what barriers exist between people we can start to close those gaps with collaboration of new ways of knowing and ensuring equitable, accessible, decision making processes. 

When I am not doing research I am spending all my time outdoors going hiking or swimming, and doing pilates!