The Jersey Shore, a stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean in New Jersey, is renowned for its vibrant culture, resilient communities, and beautiful natural landscapes. Beyond its recreational allure, this region serves as a critical area of study for scientists investigating the effects of climate variability and extreme weather events. My academic and professional journey, grounded in the integration of atmospheric and oceanic sciences with biological research, has led me to explore these coastal ecosystems in depth.From an early age, I have been fascinated by environmental sciences, which guided me to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations alongside a Bachelor of Science in Marine and Coastal Science at the University of California, Davis. This interdisciplinary education provided a strong foundation for understanding the complex interactions between human systems and marine environments. A pivotal moment in my education was a study abroad experience at Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, where hands-on research on freshwater ecosystems and active community engagement broadened my global understanding and reinforced the vital role of applied science in environmental stewardship.

One event that highlights the urgent need for research in this field is Hurricane Sandy, which struck the northeastern United States in 2012. The storm caused unprecedented devastation along the Jersey Shore, illustrating how extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, increase risks to coastal communities. The aftermath of Sandy has inspired ongoing scientific and policy efforts aimed at improving forecasting, strengthening infrastructure, and safeguarding vulnerable marine and human populations. This experience continues to shape my commitment to advancing knowledge and solutions in climate resilience and coastal ecosystem health.My path to this work has been shaped by academic excellence, recognized through the Exemplary Scholars Fellowship (2021–2023), which supported interdisciplinary efforts bridging psychology and data science toward environmental research. This holistic approach is essential; understanding climate impacts requires not only natural science but also insights into human behavior and decision-making.In summary, the Jersey Shore stands not only as a beloved cultural and ecological region but also as a living laboratory for studying climate change effects. Through interdisciplinary research and education spanning biological sciences and atmospheric studies, my career is dedicated to advancing knowledge and solutions that support the resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities faced with the growing challenges of climate variability and extreme events like Hurricane Sandy.