What are you researching or studying, and why does it matter?
My research looks at taking advantage microorganisms to remove nitrogen from wastewater in low intensity onsite wastewater treatment systems. More specifically, I am testing if this type of biological nitrogen removal can be effective for coastal communities that use seawater for toilet flushing to conserve freshwater. High concentrations of nitrogen can fuel harmful algal blooms in surface waters and contaminate groundwater, compromising the quality of aquatic and human life. Managing the nitrogen cycle is one of the 14 Engineering Grand Challenges for the 21st century and is one of the most important pollution issues facing humanity worldwide.
What brought you to USF College of Engineering for graduate school?
I wanted to attend USF because there were multiple professors I wanted to work with. Research looking at passive water treatment, international development, and community engaged engineering were all appealing. After visiting USF I was sure that I wanted to be part of the community. Funding can be an issue in graduate school but Associate Dean Batson鈥檚 network of resources and caring attitude made me feel I would not be struggling to find funding.
Tell us about a unique experience while conducting your research.
I really enjoy my discipline and research because of how diverse it is in topic. I get to apply engineering, chemistry, and biology to create environments for bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive and clean water. I love the idea of using nature to address our challenges and improve the environment around us.
My time at USF allowed me to conduct laboratory and international field research with anthropologists and marine biologists. Through NSF funding I was able to visit a national park in Belize that was using seawater flushing toilets. I got to inspect and sample the onsite wastewater treatment system and interact with different community members to find the most appropriate solutions to environmental impacts the park was experiencing. Even though my graduate research is complete, I intend to continue the work I started in Belize and implement my findings to improve the wastewater treatment system to remove nitrogen. The practical nature of my research and seeing how it can directly affect people and our environment was a motivator through my studies.
When you're not in the lab or studying, what are you passionate about?
When I am not in the lab, I enjoy physical activities like going to the gym, hiking, kayaking, or just being in nature. I need time with my family to remember who I am and why I keep trying to do better. When indoors, I enjoy playing video games and watching documentaries and comedies. I am a big fan of standup comics. I love to draw, garden, and repair things.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years, and how is USF helping you get there?
In five to ten years I intend to have my PE license. I want to work as an engineer directly out of graduate school but am applying for all sectors: private, academic, nonprofit. After becoming a PE I would like to manage a nonprofit organization addressing wastewater challenges worldwide. I would then like to transition becoming a professor.
USF provided me with education and network to accomplish these goals. Not only have my advisors connected me with resources, but so have other professors and past students.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone considering graduate school in engineering?
Work life balance is important. Manage your time to get your work done, but don鈥檛 forget to manage your time to enjoy your experience and be healthy, both mentally and physically. The pressures of graduate school can be useful in accomplish your goal under a given timeline, but work towards managing that pressure and making sure the stress never becomes unhealthy.
Finish this sentence: "I knew I wanted to be an engineer when..."
I knew I wanted to be an engineer when I was in my job school for the Navy. I was a nuclear machinist mate so I learned a bit of engineering. I enjoyed learning how things around me worked. Being weak in English made me strong in math so I also liked a profession that primarily used math.
How has your military experience shaped the way you approach engineering or graduate school?
Being a submariner in the Navy taught me perspective and to appreciate small things. During my worst days of graduate school I was still able to see the sun, breathe fresh air, and most days I was able to sleep in my own bed. My time on the submarine also taught me the importance of teamwork and transfer of knowledge that I tried to apply to the laboratory.