When I was 8 years old, we lived in Creek Bend Apartments in Greensboro, North Carolina. As can be inferred from its name, the complex was nestled in pristine forested expanses with streams and ponds and all the things. In fact, it was my backyard wonderland. My mother and father are free-thinkers, and encouraged my imaginative curiosities. They bought me a kitchen play set, and of course an Easy-Bake oven, but I didn't limit my use to fanciful edible recipes. Because I was so obsessed with plants, the ponds and streams, and the abundant life that seemed to thrive therein, I would use my minature kitchen pots and jars to collect it all and store it in my kitchen refrigerator. And because, of course, that refrigerator didn't actually work, I quickly first discovered the complexities of biodegradation, mold and fungi, which solidified my obsession with all things ecological. From that point forward, I knew I wanted to be a Scientist when I grew up. I presented in too many Science fairs to count, and my primary interest was what I'd soon learn to be a "wetland."

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The first photograph to the left was NOT taken at Creek Bend Apartments, and instead, at Rocky Mountain National Park. If you've heard me publicly speak, then you likely know that I'm a former Federal Park Ranger with the National Park Service. My parents introduced me to travel and exploration, and the national parks were definitely amongst our many adventurous destinations. Being immersed in nature, and learning about the diversity of my ancestors, both Haitian and Indigenous Cherokee, the modern biomimicry was first nature for me. My parents taught me to be a good steward, and I learned at a young age that a holistic lifestyle was synonymous with ethical Science. So it should be no wonder why I became a Federal Park Ranger.

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Just when I thought Science couldn't snatched my soul any more intensely, in the 5th grade, I attended a school trip to Huntsville, Alabama to visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (photograph directly adjacent), and for many years thereafter I aspired to be an astronaut.

Fun fact: Astronomy was offered at Weaver Educational Center, a vocational magnet program of sorts available to students in the Guilford County Schools system, and as you can assume (and safely so), I was all to excited to take the course. Although I didn't directly study Astronomy nor Astrophysics as a degree program itself, I did adjust my aspirations to an interdisciplinary Collaborative Science approach, and have taken Astronomy, Physics, Atmospheric Science, and similar courses during my academic career. In fact, it is now my research goal to lend my expertise toward NASA's studies of plant growth in microgravity.

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I wanted to just give you further insight into my life experiences that led me to become a career Scientist. My curriculum vitae is accessible below to get all the deets, or at least, the gist of my academic study, conferred expertise, and research.

 

I also always knew that I wanted to lend my expertise in policy making, and this is why I'm running for Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor. Where I cannot write policy, I can influence and inform it. 

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As a Federal Park Ranger, I was the Principal Investigator for wetland mitigation and charged with natural resource conservation (photograph directly adjacent). I also served as the Lead Scientist for the Student Conservation Association (photograph further below after the second photograph of me when I was an active Federal Park Ranger). I remain on leave from the National Park Service to complete my graduate studies. Currently, since recently graduating from law school, I'm preparing for the bar and pursuing law clerkship, and plan to return to the National Park Service and operate a private practice law firm after I obtain my license to practice law.  

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As a Research Scientist, I led research in wetland bioremediation on agricultural (mostly swine units) and nuclear power plant sites in North and South Carolina, the DMV and the Sonoran desert in Arizona and North Mexico, and then also pesticide leaching as to residential application in Gastonia, North Carolina. The photograph immediately below was taken when I worked at Savannah River Site Nuclear Power Plant in Aiken, South Carolina.

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My dissertative research focused on (1) reclamation of naturally occurring wetlands (which I coined "NOWs" as to the urgency in correcting this negative externality of overdevelopment and poor management of natural resources), (2) increasing public valuation for NOWs and natural resources in general, (3) public education (andragogical methodologies) to increase awareness of factual Science and its application and relevance in citizens' daily lives, and (4) strategic implementation planning for mitigation, bioremediation and Built Environment projects like sponge parks to address pollution and climate crises.

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Generally now, my expertise is available at costs through university lab courses in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics if you were a student in the College of Science and Technology or Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at North Carolina A&T State University during my PhD program OR through my consulting firm, PurSUEt of Happyness Corporation.

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​I remain in awe and infinite gratitude of my experiences thus far as a Scientist. I am so immensely thankful for my parents encouraging my every neurodivergent whim and otherwise exploratively cognitive inquiry. They are my why.

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And yes, Michael and I were in undergrad together. If you've seen my social media posts, then you know how very proud I am of his impact in Science. He is still exactly as I remember - an ethical Scientist, well respected colleague amongst our peers and great leader! 

 

My clientele has included several environmental/ecological and arbor organizations here in Charlotte, and local businesses seeking to transition toward green/sustainable practices. ​​​​​​It is high time Charlotte had a REAL Scientist in this seat!​ If you're here, you're likely already an active voter informing yourself about the candidates vying for this seat. Please share this and encourage other Charlotteans to cast their vote in November 2024 for me!