Undergraduate degree: University of Chicago, Political Science, 2008

Age: 26

Prior to SNRE: I worked on President Obama's 2012 re-election campaign as a Research Associate. There, I was responsible for conducting research into federal agriculture policy, USDA programs, rural development, and the initiatives of the First Lady. Before that, I worked for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, conducting electoral, candidate, and race-targeting research.

Why Environmental Policy & Planning?: I find policy and politics incredibly interesting and addictive. Also, from the perspective of an environmentalist, understanding and changing U.S. policy is critical to solving the major environmental problems we currently face. Without a continued push by environmentalists to understand and influence the legislative and appropriations process in the U.S., we will only cede critical ground instead of achieving the reforms and enacting the policies we so desperately need.

The best part of SNRE so far: SNRE professors are incredibly approachable, always looking to engage students and help them learn. Students here are fun, smart, passionate, and driven. All that makes for really dynamic classes and lots of good times hanging out with great people.

After graduation: The U.S. food and agriculture system is in desperate need of reform. With drought still plaguing large portions of U.S. farmland, heat waves intensifying, obesity and hunger rates increasing worldwide, and Congress currently drafting new farm and nutrition policy, it is more important than ever that we change the way we grow and eat food. I want to advocate for those changes.