- MEM Environment Concentration: Coastal and Marine Systems (CAMS)
- MEM Management Concentration: Community ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ment and Environmental Justice (CEEJ)
- Expected Graduation Date: May 2028
What factors were most important in your decision to choose the Nicholas School for your graduate studies? And, how will your time at the Nicholas School help you reach your career aspirations?
I was first exposed to the Nicholas School as a high school student participating in a summer program at the ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Marine Lab, and I immediately knew that when the time came for me to pursue graduate studies, I would hope to do so through the MEM program at the Nicholas School. Nearly 10 years later, I couldn’t have been more excited to receive my acceptance to the program and my subsequent recognition as a Nicholas Scholar. The financial support associated with the recognition is what made my decade-long dream a reality. However, being named a Nicholas Scholar meant more to me than the scholarship itself; it felt like a tangible expression of the Nicholas School’s belief in me – not only offering me a place in a program I so deeply respected and admired, but investing in my future because they saw value in having me as part of their community.
Beyond the Nicholas Scholar recognition, the opportunity to specialize my studies in Coastal and Marine Systems and Community ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ment and Environmental Justice was pivotal to my decision. Few other graduate programs offered the opportunity to pursue both areas so intentionally. I was also drawn to the interdisciplinary and experiential approach of the MEM program, which I look forward to applying in my studies and future career as a marine conservation practitioner. After completing my degree, I hope to work in marine policy, focusing on balancing conservation objectives with the needs and perspectives of coastal communities. I am confident that the resources available to Nicholas School students will be instrumental in helping me achieve that goal, from working with clients through the Environmental Law and Policy Clinic to gaining hands-on experience with sustainable aquaculture at the Duke Aquafarm.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly in my decision-making process, the sense of community at the Nicholas School is truly unique. From the moment I began the application process, I felt supported and encouraged by Duke faculty and staff, students, and even alumni, and that support has only grown since I arrived on campus. I couldn’t be more excited to contribute to this community over the next two years and, hopefully, even beyond my time as a student.