My interest in oceanography developed out of my general appreciation for nature and environmentalism. I grew up in Rockland County, NY and enjoyed hiking along the Hudson River and northern highlands of the Appalachian Mountains. I was first exposed to the ocean sciences during my senior year of high school when I had the opportunity to take a marine biology course. This influenced my decision to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington where I studied oceanography while surrounded by beautiful beach and estuarine systems.
During my undergraduate degree I participated in Paleoceanographic research that involved reconstructing intermediate depth circulation in the Labrador Sea. However, I found that my strengths and research interests lie in understanding physical oceanographic processes. In addition, I am interested in offshore wind energy as a renewable energy resource and emerging industry. I am currently working towards my Master’s Degree under the guidance of Dr. Travis Miles.
My research focuses on the use of new rapidly updating satellite SST technology to improve weather and resource forecasting of winds in the NJ offshore wind energy areas. I have completed the Coastal Climate Risk and Resilience Program (C2R2) here at Rutgers, which emphasizes transdisciplinary stakeholder-driven research as a way to combat complex climate problems. I am also passionate about science policy and renewable energy and interned at the NJ Board of Public Utilities in the Clean Energy Division.
When I’m not working I enjoy biking, swimming in the ocean, listening to music, visiting friends and family, and hiking with my dog!