I am a Master of Public Health (MPH) student in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health within the College of Public Health. I plan to complete my graduate program in Spring 2029. I previously earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Mount Mercy University in 2022. During my undergraduate studies, I served on the board of the Iowa Association of Nursing Students (IANS) and served as editor-in-chief of the Mount Mercy Times newspaper. In my editorial role, I received the Pat Pisarik Student Journalist of the Year Award from the Iowa College Media Association (ICMA) in 2021. I have worked as a registered nurse since July of 2022, specializing in bedside neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nursing and research nursing. I hope to use my MPH education to better address systemic public health issues faced by medically complex children and their families. I also publish as a freelance journalist and have a special interest in highlighting local entrepreneurs and their accomplishments. Outside of school and work, I enjoy reading, baking, running, and spending time with my dog, Millie, a rescued Havanese.