Statement Of Purpose: The Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program

As I begin my professional career, I want to pursue a position in which I can work in the two areas I am most passionate about: water and public service. In this regard, I am interested working with programs and projects driven towards improving and maintaining the quality of the Great Lakes. I have prepared to make meaningful impacts on such projects through my education, service work, and research experiences in water resources and environmental engineering at the University of Minnesota – Duluth and Villanova University. Working on a variety of water systems, from natural water to engineered water systems, in different communities, has provided me with unique insights and experiences on water and public service. These diverse perspectives, coupled with my background, make me a great fit for the John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. The Knauss

Through my work, I have come to understand that there needs to be a whole system approach to water management, ranging from water sources, through treatment options, to how that access and management impacts communities and ecosystems. This fellowship would provide me with ample opportunities for growth and would deepen my understanding of the interplay of the environment, economics, and the decision-making process. These tools will be useful when informing and enacting specific policies related to the management of the Great Lakes and their surrounding communities. I believe that it is crucial for science to inform decisions made in our society, especially when it comes to matters of the environment. Sea Grant and NOAA aim to provide communities and decision-makers with the tools and information necessary to make sound decisions about their surrounding ecosystem and natural resources. With my passion for service and the environment, coupled with my background as a scientist, I will be well-equipped to help carry out these core