I graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in December 2024 with a BA in Sustainability and minors in Watershed and Forestry. While at UT, I worked at the compost facility as a driver and later transitioned to the recycling facility as a zero-waste associate. During my senior year, I expanded my focus to conservation, which led me to my current path.

After graduation, I began my career in wildland fire as a Fire and Recreation Intern with the U.S. Forest Service at Cherokee National Forest. I supported six wildfires and a 7,500-acre prescribed burn. I also assisted with trail maintenance, educational outreach, and archaeological work on the Trail of Tears.

Currently, I’m a Fuels Suppression and Invasive Plant Management Technician at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. I’ve worked on a variety of fire operations, including two weeks on the Stoner Mesa wildfire as part of the Midplains Handcrew. I also operate heavy equipment and participate in wildlife management on the refuge.

I recently accepted a unique position at the Arsenal as a seasonal wildland firefighter! I’ll assist with prescribed burns during the spring and join the Northern Colorado Helitack Group during fire season, supporting helicopter operations on wildfires.

I truly stumbled headfirst into this career path and didn’t expect to enjoy it, let alone love it. I learn something new every day, test my physical/mental limits consistently, and the work I do has tangible results. I can’t wait to see what the next season holds and am excited for my career in wildland fire!

Special thanks to my mentors at UT who have supported me through my educational and career paths: Jay Price, Melissa Hinten, Wayne Mason, and Michael Camponovo. If any students or alumni are curious about wildland fire or federal employment, feel free to send them my way (responses may be a little slow!).