"I am a proud member of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. I grew up with my family in Owyhee, Nevada on a reservation with a population of about 1,000 people. Through the United Tribes Technical College (UTTC), I discovered my passion for higher education. Professors at UTTC inspired me to complete a Research Experience for Undergraduates and an internship at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). The internship is what connected me with MSIPP.
SNL advisors were supportive of work-life balance and guided me to pursue a master’s degree at North Dakota State University. Upon graduating, my goal is to earn a Ph.D. so I can teach at a tribal college or university and inspire students to venture out and gain experience at places similar to SNL."