Graduate Studies
Academic Portfolio
Welcome to my Graduate Studies Portfolio, a comprehensive showcase of my journey through the Master of Science in Environmental Studies program at Prescott College. This portfolio is a collection of my academic achievements, reflective essays, professional experiences, and a glimpse into my future aspirations within the field of Environmental Science.
Program Goals
Master of Science - Environmental Studies
"Climate Adaptation and Natural Resource Management"
Program Goal 1
Develop a solid foundation in environmental science, humanities, law, policy, social sciences, and systems thinking, and show the capacity of these disciplinary areas to shape engagement with specific environmental issues.
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In this paper, I explored the multifaceted climate dynamics within the Mogollon Highlands, bridging the gap between environmental science, law, policy, social sciences, and systems thinking, aiming to provide a holistic understanding of the region's climate dynamics while simultaneously highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in addressing and engaging with environmental challenges.
Program Goal 2
Demonstrate diverse and inclusive approaches to analyzing contemporary environmental issues at local, regional, and global scales.
In this paper, I delved into the multifaceted history and environmental narratives of a region that has witnessed significant transitions from the Paleo-American Period to contemporary times. This work reflects my commitment to the program goal of demonstrating diverse and inclusive approaches in analyzing environmental issues across local, regional, and global scales. By exploring the intricate layers of geologic, ecological, and human history, I aimed to provide a holistic view that acknowledges the complex interplay of natural and human forces shaping environmental narratives, thereby embracing an inclusive lens towards understanding contemporary environmental challenges.
Program Goal 3
Demonstrate understanding of the theories related to their specific area of focus in environmental studies
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In this project, I merged my passion for adventure education and environmental studies to research the revival of rapids in the Western Grand Canyon, once buried under reservoir sediments. Leading a field research trip, we documented the effects of water management and climate change on these rapids. This project demonstrates my grasp of environmental theories related to water resources and ecosystem dynamics.
Program Goal 4
Develop and demonstrate a suite of sophisticated skills that apply theoretical knowledge to problem-solving.
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In this project, I merged theoretical environmental studies with practical investigation to examine the resurgence of rapids in the Lower Colorado River. This phenomenon, driven by declining reservoir levels, presented a unique case study to apply environmental theories related to hydrology, sediment dynamics, and ecosystem responses to environmental changes. By conducting fieldwork, engaging with local communities, and analyzing data through GIS, I demonstrated the capability to translate theoretical knowledge into understanding and addressing real-world environmental challenges.
Statements
Competency Statement
In this Environmental and Outdoor Education focused competency statement, I share my academic achievements with supporting practical experiences from my studies at Prescott College.
Objective Statement
In this statement, I share the objectives I have used to guide my academic and professional journey towards impactful environmental advocacy and innovation.
Goal Statement
In this statement, I detail my educational goals and how they have guided me toward achieving a multifaceted understanding of environmental science, law, policy, and systems thinking.
Professional Goals Statment
In this statement, I outline my professional aspirations and how my coursework and experiences have and will continue to support these aspirations.
Research Papers
Water Resources and Management
This comprehensive paper explored groundwater and surface water systems in HUC 15, emphasizing water scarcity, aquifer depletion, and ecological impacts. It strengthened my understanding of water budgeting, infrastructure limitations, and climate adaptation, directly supporting my graduate focus on hydrology, water policy, and conservation in the Colorado River Basin.
Understanding Climate Change
Focusing on climate data analysis and regional impacts, this project helped me develop climate literacy and geospatial analysis skills essential to assessing bioregional vulnerability. It sharpened my ability to synthesize long-term climate projections into practical resilience strategies for land and water management.
Environmental Law & Policy
In this paper, I investigated the legal, cultural, and ecological tensions surrounding one of the most controversial mining projects in the American Southwest. The analysis deepened my understanding of environmental impact assessments, tribal sovereignty, and the limitations of existing regulatory frameworks—skills that now inform my work at the intersection of conservation policy and land use planning.
Ecological Restoration
This paper provided an in-depth evaluation of binational restoration efforts in the Colorado River Delta, examining environmental flows, invasive species control, and collaborative governance. It strengthened my ability to assess complex restoration strategies in arid ecosystems and directly informed my graduate focus on river rehabilitation and adaptive management practices in transboundary systems.
Indigenous Perspectives and River Management
This paper proposed a policy model for Indigenous-led co-management of the Colorado River, combining Western environmental ethics with Indigenous relational worldviews. It marked a pivotal point in my graduate work, aligning my academic research with my professional goal of advancing collaborative and culturally grounded water governance in the Southwest.
Reflective Essay
A Journey Through Prescott College's Master of Science in Environmental Studies (MSES) Program
In this paper, I share my reflective journey of academic growth and hands-on experiences at Prescott College. Sharing how coursework, internships, and fieldwork have allowed me to tackle topics from climate change to conservation biology.