I am a recent graduate of Brevard College, with my B.S in Environmental Studies. I am originally from Yorkville, IL, where I grew up playing in forest preserves and fishing with my family in lakes and rivers. As I entered my senior year, my professor, Dr. Uyizeye, encouraged me to partake in an Independent Research Project around microplastics that followed along with his own previous research. With his mentorship and the support from my family, I can take part in this year's conference. All of these have rekindled my love for freshwater ecosystems, and I look forward to the possibility of studying them further as I walk further in my career.