When I first arrived in Houghton, Michigan, I was stepping into a completely new world. Coming from a very different environment, seeing snow for the first time felt almost magical. I still remember my daughter, who was just four years old at the time, looking around and calling it “Santa’s country” in her own sweet way. That moment has stayed with me throughout my journey.
Moving to Michigan Tech was not just an academic transition, but a life journey for me and my family. Over the years, Houghton has become more than just a place of study—it has become home. Watching my daughter grow here, experiencing her excitement for snow, learning to ski, and embracing a new culture through her eyes has been one of the most meaningful parts of this journey. What once felt unfamiliar gradually became a space of comfort, growth, and belonging.
At Michigan Tech, I have experienced both challenges and achievements, and each of those moments has shaped me. From navigating research, teaching, and life in a new environment, to building connections within the department and the broader university community, I have learned resilience, adaptability, and the value of support systems. I have always felt that Michigan Tech is not just a university, but a family that stands beside you through every step.
Over the course of my research, I have focused on the bioaccumulation of persistent contaminants such as PCBs and mercury in fish from the Laurentian Great Lakes and inland lake systems, with particular attention to communities that rely heavily on fish as a primary food source. This work has contributed to supporting subsistence fishing communities, including collaborations with the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, by providing insights into contaminant pathways and promoting safer fish consumption practices.
I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to work with local communities, especially the Native North American Ojibwe community. I carry deep respect and gratitude for their values and way of life—particularly their belief that nature deserves respect and care, and the way they continue to live in harmony with it while serving humanity. In many ways, this experience has reshaped my own perspective and sense of responsibility.
Receiving the Finishing Fellowship is a deeply meaningful milestone for me. It represents not only academic recognition but also the culmination of years of dedication, growth, and perseverance. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, which allows me to focus on completing my PhD and take the next step in my journey.
As I look ahead, I carry with me the experiences, lessons, and memories that Michigan Tech has given me—both as a researcher and as a person. This journey has shown me that no matter how unfamiliar a place may seem at first, with support, determination, and community, everything becomes possible.
I am sincerely grateful to Michigan Technological University, my advisors, and the entire community for being a part of this journey.