"I was born and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina, but spent part of my highschool in Berlin, Germany with family. I studied Asian Studies, chemistry, & religious studies at Lewis & Clark College.

Between academic years, I participated in two internships for a sustainable textile manufacturing company, PHOENXT as a marketing and the chemical research intern. I also acted at the Grants Director for Lewis & Clark's Student Academic Affairs Board, approving independent academic research grants for students. I attempted to study abroad in Japan four times during my undergraduate experience, but due to Covid, was unable to. Two years ago, a CET program in Osaka switched to a virtual format. This was an intensive language course covering a year’s worth of material in eight weeks.

From May to August of 2022, I participated in the Japanese-American Student Conference (JASC), offering lectures and research opportunities. We explored topics such as international security, trade, and sustainability through the lens of Japanese-American bilateralism. I have continued as an Executive Committee member, planning the entirety of the 2023 conference, from programming to website building in continuous collaboration with Japanese peers.

I currently work in the finance and operations department of the Asian and Pacifica American Institute for Congressional Studies, a non-profit seeking to increase AA & NH/PI representation in congress. Through the MASIA program, I hope to pursue a career that directly relates to Asia and more specifically Japan. A personal goal of mine is to become fluent in Japanese and use it as a part of my career. I am not entirely sure what direction my career will take, but continuing graduate work, pursuing civil service, or working in the private sector are ways I hope to pursue international work relating to sustainability, Japanese, and East Asia. "

Concentration: Energy, Environment, and Transnational Issues

Hometown: Spartanburg, SC, USA

Academic Background: B.A. in Asian Studies, Lewis & Clark College