Professional Experience:
 
I joined the WINK News team in June 2022 and worked as an Environmental Reporter for the first year and a half. Now I work as a general assignment reporter.
At the University of Florida, I reported, produced, and anchored for WUFT News.
Awards & Recognition:
 
National Student Edward R. Murrow award and first place in BEA's news magazine category for coverage of Hurricane Ida's aftermath in Houma, LA.
Education
 
Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication-News, University of Florida. GO GATORS!
Likes best about Southwest Florida
 
The beach, the people, and the lack of a winter.
Memorable Assignments
As a native Floridian, I have witnessed the impact of hurricanes and tropical storms throughout my life. During my senior year at the University of Florida, I took an investigative reporting class and traveled to Houma, Louisiana, after Hurricane Ida. There, I saw the devastation from the storm and the resilience of a community rising from the rubble. That story solidified what I wanted to do - become a broadcast journalist.
Just months after joining the WINK News team, Hurricane Ian struck, and once again, I saw the familiar sight of a community uniting in the wake of disaster. Those stories of hope, moments of kindness, and the people within hold a special place in my memory.
Hobbies and Interests: 
I love doing anything outdoors! On weekends, you can find me on a walk at one of my favorite nature preserves, including Six-Mile-Cypress and Audobon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and then at one of our beautiful beaches.
Hometown: 
I was born and raised in Orlando. My mom, dad, and two brothers still live there. They are the reason WINK News viewership out of Central Florida spiked starting in June 2022.
Fun fact: 
My number one goal is to be on Jeopardy one day. Growing up, my dad and I watched every night we could, and I continue that tradition today.
trees

How to prepare the trees around your home for a tropical storm

With a tropical system expected in the gulf next week now is the time to check on the trees outside your home. A recent study from the University of Florida found most trees can withstand category one hurricanes. But you don’t have to be a tree expert to spot most tree defects, and taking care […]

FGCU monitoring rattlesnakes on campus

FGCU is tracking its rattlesnakes on campus. The team at Florida Gulf Coast University is looking into how the snakes move across the area. They use transmitters that can let the team know where the snakes are when they want to check in on them because when they know where the snakes are, they can […]

sea urchins

Scientists make steps toward restoring sea urchin population

Scientists from the University of Florida have made a large step towards restoring sea urchin populations. Sea urchins help the reefs, they play a critical role in maintaining the balance between coral and algae. For thousands of years, long-spined sea urchins helped keep reefs intact. Josh Patterson is an IFAS associate professor of Fisheries and […]

sea turtle nesting

Sea turtle nesting in SWFL winding down, hatchlings continue to emerge

Most sea turtle nesting has concluded on Sanibel and Captiva islands, but hatchlings continue to emerge. Baby sea turtles breaking free from their nest is called a nest boil because the turtles come out of the sand so quickly and in such big numbers that this looks like the sand is boiling. Kelly Sloan is […]

Atala butterfly

Butterfly thought to be extinct spotted in Sanibel

An animal that scientists thought was extinct has been rediscovered! Atala butterflies vanished decades ago but were spotted just three weeks ago in Sanibel. The Atala butterfly is black with fluorescent blue scales and an orange body.  If you haven’t heard of the Atala butterfly, you’re not alone. It was believed to be extinct in […]

Calusa Waterkeeper looking into the effects of blue-green algae toxins

As blue-green algae blooms grow, so do health concerns. Lee County, the Department of Environmental Protection, and FGCU are all monitoring the situation as the Calusa Waterkeeper digs further into air quality testing to protect those living nearby. John Cassani, the Calusa Waterkeeper, monitors the water to protect its quality and human health. One of […]

Blue-green algae

Blue-green algae still present in North Fort Myers canal

Blue-green algae treatment is underway in North Fort Myers. BlueGreen Water Technologies, hired to remove it, promised results in 24 to 48 hours. As of now, it is hard to say if their treatment is working. The hydrogen peroxide-based treatment was thrown on the water and was still present on Tuesday. Footage from the WINK […]

blue-green algae

Lee County’s plan to treat blue-green algae in Little Lake Michigan Canal

Lee County takes steps to combat blue-green algae blossom in the Little Lake Michigan Canal. The Little Lake Michigan Canal wasn’t a pretty site on September 8. But then, blue-green water technologies went to work. WINK News was able to watch a demonstration designed to break up the algae. The demonstration involved a product called ‘Lake […]

blue green algae

Update on blue-green algae in Little Lake Michigan Canal

The blue-green algae in the Little Lake Michigan Canal appears to have been broken up by the recent heavy rain. Just because it is no longer visible on the surface, experts say that doesn’t mean that it’s gone. A resident who lives near the canal pointed out the water still has a green tinge, but […]

blue green algae

Lee County Natural Resources monitors blue-green algae bloom growth

The blue-green algae bloom that appears to be growing is getting interest from the state level. Lee County Natural Resources staff said they are continuing to monitor the canal in North Fort Myers where algae is present. Trinity Allen, a Master’s student at FGCU said, “Oh gosh. Okay yeah, that’s pretty thick. Oh yeah, I can […]