About Me

 I am a South Indian girl raised in the Middle East who moved to the United States for her undergraduate degree and stayed on to get a graduate degree. In each of these places, I have felt a sense of belonging. Consequently, my identity has been strongly shaped by the three cultures that have been a part of my life – my South Indian ancestry, my childhood in Abu Dhabi, and my collegiate life in California and Washington. This has translated to a lived experience surrounded by individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, international private schooling, certifying as an advanced open water diver and traveling to dive sites around the world, and volunteering for various conservation-related projects from high school onwards.

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During my dive experiences around Abu Dhabi, I observed the deterioration of these marine ecosystems that support the interconnectedness of species health, environmental health, and in a broader sense, human health. These ecosystems were part of the strong identity and heritage of the maritime settlements of the United Arab Emirates. That intrinsic link between human, animal, and environmental well-being supported by traditional communities fueled my interest in understanding and sustaining interconnected socio-cultural and ecological systems, which continued through my undergraduate and graduate degree. Curious by nature and motivated by my passion for conservation, I envision myself in the role of a marine and environmental policy analyst, using evidence-based science to drive policies, working to use my skills and passion to serve vulnerable and overlooked communities, and marine ecosystems globally by changing people’s perceptions and narratives on unsustainable practices.

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In addition to my academic and professional experiences, in my spare time, I enjoy reading, dancing, music, visiting museums, baking, and watching tv shows (English, Korean, and Turkish). I also enjoy being active by going to the gym, practice pilates, swimming, running, play tennis, badminton, and golf.  

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As someone who believes learning to be a lifelong endeavor, I am always willing and ready to take on new challenges, gain new skills, and embark on new experiences.