My engineering, athletic, and interpersonal skills have allowed me to contribute to a variety of fields: I spearheaded using neutron residual stress mapping of superconducting radiofrequency cavities for improved understanding of microstructural factors in order to improve processing to maximize the stable accelerating gradient for the spallation neutron source superconducting linear accelerator. My PhD work included working closely towards improved nuclear reactor cladding materials with scientists from the National Energy Technology Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, and interdepartmentally with mechanical engineers and statisticians within Colorado School of Mines. While at ORNL, I found ways to get involved teaching children about how neutrons work and speaking and mentoring about STEM disciplines at local schools. I spoke at lab day to the community and towards young professionals about neutron production and some of the collaborations available at the lab and about what they might expect moving forward in their careers. I felt lucky to have been introduced to real research as early as high school through outreach programs at the local university and it felt really good to reach back out and open up the minds of a few people in the upcoming generations. I've climbed mountains, mountain-biked mountains, biked centuries, run a marathon, done triathlons, kayaked waterfalls. I love meeting other people with similar interests and value sets and thrive on overcoming challenges. Having struggled through my own challenges has given me the strength and empathy to reach out to others and better forge strong and meaningful connections.
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