I was born and raised in Colorado Springs, CO, where my love of the outdoors was developed through activities such as hiking, camping, and snowboarding. My passion for environmental solutions led me to study environmental science and Chinese. Since graduating from Duke University in spring 2017, I have been living in China on a Fulbright research grant. When I’m not engrossed in my research, you can find me running, hiking, snowboarding, watching basketball, honing my photography and videography skills, listening to music, or reading.
Education
Duke University | Durham, NC | Fall 2013 - Spring 2017
Double B.A. majors in Environmental Science/Policy and Asian & Middle Eastern Studies (Chinese concentration)
Concurrently studied environmental science and five years’ worth of Mandarin Chinese.
| Energy Reports and Carbon Pricing Bass Connections | Fall 2016 - Spring 2017 |
Lead author on a report detailing recommendations presented to Duke’s Executive VP about how to reduce on-campus energy consumption and associated emissions. Based on expertise gained related to carbon pricing and capital investment decision-making, worked with a multidisciplinary team of faculty and students to make recommendations focusing on an internal carbon pricing program and educational programs. Created energy reports to convey energy consumption information to heads of departments.
| Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant Subcommittee of Duke’s Campus Sustainability Committee | Spring 2017 |
Along with a multidisciplinary group of on-campus stakeholders, I helped with a report evaluating Duke’s proposed on-campus 21 MW CHP plant for the Board of Trustees. Contributed to evaluation of financial feasibility, the use of biogas, and potential alternatives using knowledge of the economics of electrical generation, CHP plants, and campus power networks.
| Solar Spring Break | March 2017 |
Supported by the Duke University Energy Initiative, I spent Spring Break with six other Duke students in Fresno, CA, installing a solar array on a family’s home with GRID Alternatives. GRID Alternatives is a non-profit seeking to bring renewable energy to underserved communities. I filmed and edited a mini-documentary of our week in Fresno, which was also reported on by two local news outlets.
| Independent Study: “The Growth and Development of China’s Solar PV Market” | Spring 2016 |
I examined the policy drivers behind the development of China’s international and domestic solar photovoltaic (PV) market, the effect on global solar PV prices, and the impact on the solar markets of Japan, Germany, and the U.S. under the direction of Dr. Tim Johnson.
| Boston University Shanghai Internship Study Abroad Program at Fudan University | Fall 2015 |
Seeking to combine my environmental science and Chinese studies in a study abroad experience, I petitioned Duke to allow me to particpate in Boston University’s Shanghai Internship Program. The program is now on Duke’s list of pre-approved study abroad programs. While studying abroad in Shanghai, I took a Chinese class and courses on Chinese politics and society and interned part-time at a solar quality assurance, supply chain management, and engineering services firm.
| Delegate to the Duke-UNC China Leadership Summit | 2015, 2016 |
Served as a delegate to the Duke-UNC China Leadership Summit two years in a row. The Summit brings together students from around the world to convene with experts in Sino-U.S. relations and exchange perspectives.
| Marketing and Promotions Assistant at Duke Sports Marketing | Fall 2014 - Spring 2017 |
Helped with marketing and promotions at a multitude of Duke sporting events. I also served as the announcer at sporting events such as tennis, soccer, and field hockey.
| Duke Summer in China | Summer 2014 |
Completed a year’s worth of Mandarin Chinese while studying in Beijing on an intensive language immersion program. I was featured in a short video Duke put together along with fellow classmates from the summer (this was my first year studying Chinese, my speaking abilities have improved drastically since then!).
Air Academy High School | Colorado Springs, CO | Fall 2009 - Spring 2013
- Senior Speaker at Graduation
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude (GPA over 4.6)
- DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) Principles of Business Management: 1st place in the state of Colorado, 2013
- Multimedia Gold Key (best in state award), Colorado Scholastic Art Show, 2013
- 2012 Boulder Marathon: Finished first in the 16-19 age group
- Varsity Track, 2011-2013
- Cross Country Senior Co-Captain, 2012
- National Honor Society: 2011-2013; Air Academy Vice President, 2012-2013
- FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) District and State Awards: Business Math, 2011; Business Ethics and Business Calculations, 2012
- Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Spanish Honor Society), 2010-2013
- Art Honor Society, 2011-2013
Volunteer Work
- Teaching a public speaking and communication class for Chinese high school students in Nanjing
- GRID Alternatives: solar array installation
- Durham Habitat for Humanity: construction projects
- TwoCor Project for at-risk young men: mentor dinners and youth programs
- Urban Peak Colorado Springs: Neighborhood collection of supplies for donation