I assist with field research studying plant communities in sandplain grasslands and restored wetlands. By surveying plant biodiversity hotspots in these climate-sensitive ecosystems, my work helps inform effective ecological management and restoration practices that promote resiliency.
My previous volunteer and professional experiences have emphasized to me the value of field-based research and the power of data in shaping effective conservation. From surveying the diverse marine life in South Africa’s coastal waters to assessing biodiversity across the arid deserts of the U.A.E., exploring my environments through a scientific lens has deepened my appreciation for the natural world and shown me the urgency of safeguarding our ecosystems.
I’m particularly interested in how we can leverage data science to better understand ecosystem dynamics, monitor biodiversity, and inform conservation strategies that support both the resilience of ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. I am also very interested in the social dimensions of environmental research and would love to further explore how conservation initiatives can drive policy and support equitable environmental outcomes. I am currently studying Biology, with a specialization in Environmental and Biological Conservation and a minor in Data Science. In the future, I hope to pursue a career that approaches ecological research at the intersection of fieldwork and data analysis.
Growing up around the world, I have had the privilege to experience firsthand the beauty in the Earth’s diversity. From the lush forests of my home in Japan to the vibrant reefs of Indonesia and the vast dunes of the U.A.E., I am inspired by the intricate and interconnected systems that make up our planet’s ecosystems. I am motivated by the desire to protect these natural environments, not only for their beauty, but to foster our reciprocity with nature and promote the advancement of scientific knowledge that provides us with the ability to adapt our approach to conservation in a rapidly changing world. Outside of work, some of my hobbies include scuba diving, hiking, and photography.
