My career began with the National Nuclear Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) as a Graduate Fellow during the summer of 2016. In 2017, I transitioned from the NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program to a contractor position supporting the NNSA. After a few months as a contractor, I realized that I wanted new challenges in my career so I applied for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellowship. 

AAAS is an organization that advocates various scientific matters. I first heard of AAAS when I was an undergraduate student. I participated in three AAAS Emerging Researchers National Conferences as a Historically Black College/University Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) Scholar while at North Carolina A&T State University. At these conferences I was exposed to diverse groups, mainly underrepresented groups, who were presenting scientific research. 

In fact, I met many black women who had received their doctorates in science and engineering as well as some who were in graduate school. This confirmed that my aspiration to become a scientist was obtainable. 

Throughout my educational journey, I always remembered AAAS for being a leader in promoting diversity in science. As a result, I've always wanted to become a AAAS Fellow in hopes that I may inspire women of color to pursue careers in science. 

I am proud to announce that I am a 2018-2019 AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow. My fellowship will take place with the Department of Defense and I will continue supporting nuclear security.

I express gratitude to the NNSA for establishing a great foundation for my career. The skills and relationships I have gained have developed me into the meticulous professional I am today.