As a passionate environmental scientist with a deep connection to water and community, I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography, building on a solid foundation of a B.S. in Environmental Soil and Water Sciences and an M.S. focused on Hydrology and GIS from West Virginia University. My academic journey is driven by a commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges of water security and climate change through participatory processes. Currently, my research and work focus on utilizing community mapping practices to increase participation in community planning processes. I am dedicated to enabling communities to engage in the decision-making process, by working with them to co-create approaches that address local issues such as water contamination, flood vulnerability, and climate adaptation. By empowering communities with data and tools and creating spaces for dialogue, my work aims to build a more just, equitable, and resilient community that places people at the center.