What inspires you to work in public service?
What inspires me to work in public service started at a young age, when my mother worked at the Ohio State House. I remember roaming the halls and observing individuals who were deeply committed to improving their communities and dedicating their careers to public service. Those early experiences left a lasting impression on me and introduced me to the idea that meaningful change often happens through public service and policy.
That interest was later reinforced in high school when I took an environmental science course that solidified my desire to pursue public service, particularly in the area of environmental protection. Learning about the connection between policy, environmental health, and community well-being helped me understand the importance of safeguarding natural resources. Not only for human health, but also to preserve the natural places I have always loved.
Together, these experiences shaped my motivation to work beyond myself and contribute to efforts that strengthen and support our communities.
What is your major, and do you have any minors or specializations?
I majored in environmental science and minored in data science at Wittenberg University and I am pursuing a Masters in public policy and management at The Ohio State University.
What coursework or academic experiences have most shaped your interests in policy, leadership or public service?
My interest in policy and public service was shaped primarily through my undergraduate coursework in environmental science. These courses consistently emphasized the close relationship between scientific research, policy decisions, and public service. A course in international environmental policy further highlighted this connection by showing how environmental challenges extend beyond national borders and require coordinated policy responses. Additionally, community-based projects such as soil testing and water quality monitoring, and environmental outreach reinforced the importance of community engagement as a core component of effective public service.
What specific skills or experiences do you bring to your internship?
I bring a combination of technical, research, and collaborative skills to my internship. Through my experience as an intern at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, I developed hands-on skills in data analysis and visualization, including using R Studio and ArcGIS. This experience also allowed me to combine both of my interests for the first time. This experience allowed me to contribute to the process of translating data into regulatory action aligned with policy implementation.
Additionally, my background in water quality research at Wittenberg University provided me with experience in field data collection, analysis of the samples, and communication of those results to different groups of individuals. I conducted water quality testing, performed stream habitat assessments, wrote research grant proposals, and presented findings at a national conference. This enhanced both my analytical and public-facing communication skills. Across these roles, I have consistently worked in team-based settings, managed multiple responsibilities, and engaged in community outreach, all of which prepare me to contribute effectively and thoughtfully to this internship.
What strengths do you most rely on when collaborating with others?
The strength I rely on most when collaborating with others is effective communication. I prioritize being clear and concise when sharing information, but I also make space for others’ perspectives by asking questions and actively listening. This balance allows ideas to circulate and evolve, helping the group move forward in a way that feels both productive and inclusive.
What are your career goals and how do you hope this fellowship will support your professional journey?
My career goal is to work in environmental policy and regulation at the federal level, where I can contribute to improving environmental and public health outcomes for communities nationwide. I am particularly interested in how policy and regulatory frameworks can drive meaningful large-scale change.
I hope this fellowship will support my professional journey by providing hands-on experience in a Washington, D.C. -based policy environment, where I can deepen my understanding of federal policy processes and regulatory implementation. Additionally, I see this opportunity as a valuable way to build professional connections, lean from experienced practitioners, and gain practical insight that will prepare me for a long-term career in public service.
What is your favorite or most impactful project from a previous role?
My most impactful project was during my time at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, where I used R Studio to develop a program that accessed an online database and streamlined the process of extracting and organizing data into an Excel format. This tool made large datasets more accessible and easier to analyze, improving efficiency and usability. The project allowed me to see how data management and automation can directly support regulatory and policy-related work.