I am originally from Sonoma County, California. In 2007, I moved to Miami to pursue an undergraduate degree from the University of Miami. I graduated with a bachelors of science in Biology and Marine Science, with a Chemistry minor. I went on to pursue a Ph.D. in Marine Geology and Geophysics from the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, with a focus on geomicrobiology and geochemistry. Following my doctorate studies, I moved to Bochum Germany for a postdoctoral position.