I grew up on the Oregon Coast, where my love of the outdoors grew out of family outings, great school programs, and curiosity-driven exploration. During college, my eyes were opened to the vast possibilities of what engagement with the environment could mean in terms of my career. I discovered a field which combines my passions for protecting natural spaces and improving human lives. Upon finishing my undergraduate degree, I've gone on to seek out work spreading knowledge and love of the outdoors. My ultimate driving force is a desire to increase environmental stewardship and reignite deep connections between people and the land from which they have become estranged. I believe direct engagement is the only way to improve environmental and human health outcomes in any significant way.