During my undergraduate studies, I engaged in fieldwork in Costa Rica and Panama, where I delved into sustainable development and marine ecology. Building on this foundation, my most recent work focused on analyzing the relationship between Afro-descendant coastal communities in the United States and oysters. I now aim to support local community and Indigenous-led aquaculture/ocean governance projects. These experiences have deepened my commitment to community-led environmental stewardship and restoration with a focus on justice.