Michael Scott served our country both at home and abroad, and I want to thank him for his
service. I am very honored to receive this award, and I value the opportunity to carry on his
legacy in the fisheries field. I want to thank all of the fisheries faculty, as well as my family and
friends for supporting my education during my time as an undergraduate.

Looking back, Cal Poly Humboldt was the perfect place for me to attend college. I say this
because I strongly feel that the education I gained here was completely unique, and could not be
replicated anywhere else in the world. Specifically, the fisheries program has provided me with
unique opportunities to: interact with indigenous communities, trawl for offshore species,
explore ancient forest creeks, perform extensive genetics labwork, and work in a fully
functioning fish hatchery on campus. These opportunities only exist because of a faculty that
really cares about exposing their students to as many hands-on experiences as possible. I think
it’s also important to note that my college experience was significantly hampered by the
COVID-19 pandemic, and I still was able to gain, what I believe to be, a world-class education.
Once again, thank you to all the faculty and staff that make these experiences possible for
undergraduate students.

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and watched firsthand as several of the fisheries I loved were
forced to close due to low population numbers. I want to stop this from happening in the future
by working to create regulations that are better at sustainably managing fisheries for the benefit
of people and the environment.