Biography

My undergraduate education began at The Evergreen State College where I spent my first year studying green building design as well as alternative options for waste management and energy systems. During my second year I spent 2 terms living in central Mexico and Belize conducting directed studies onland-use practices (Mexico) and coastal zone management strategies (Belize). Upon completion of these studies I transferred to the University of Washington in pursuit of an education focused on interdisciplinary approaches to managing coastal resources. Concentrating on classes offered by the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences, the School of Marine Affairs and the Program on the Environment provided me with a thorough background in both the natural and social science components that go into creating and employing effective plans for coastal resource management. After graduation I spent the next 3 years further developing and refining many of my skills by working in a wetland ecosystem laboratory at UW's School of Fisheries and for Washington Sea Grant. Working closely with local communities and resource stakeholders has always been important to me in the academic and professional work that I've done and will continue to be in my future endeavors.

As a master's student at UBC's Fisheries Center, I added another instrument to my repertoire of conservation tools, this time economics. Under the guidance of Dr Rashid Sumaila I explored the world of economics and the role it can play in natural resource management and conservation. My thesis looked into the values associated with the extractive resources of Fiji's coral reef ecosystems. My findings can be used in an attempt to stimulate discussions on management and influence the implementation of strategies for sustainable resource use at local and national levels in Fiji.