I have loved biology for as long as I can remember. As a kid in Virginia, I collected deer bones and tried to figure out how carpenter bees drilled holes into our backyard fence. My desire to learn from the world around me has never faded. At UT, I am a sophomore majoring in EEB Biology and I am interested in a career in research. I am a member of the Biodiversity Discovery FRI Stream under Dr. Tom Devitt. Additionally, as a freshman, I had the opportunity to work under Dr. Ed LeBrun assisting research into biological control of tawny crazy ants (Nylanderia fulva). Overall, I am interested in ecosystems and the ways they change in response to climate and human impacts, but I have a particular love for insects and salamanders. I am excited to be a part of the Kemp Lab as an undergraduate research assistant.