My path to editing was not a straight line. I earned a BS in environmental policy from the University of Michigan and an MS in conservation biology from the University of Maryland, and I spent more than a decade as a wildlife conservationist in the nonprofit sector. Although I was firmly anchored to the environmental field, my work consistently required me to use my writing and editing skills.
After taking a few years off to care for a sick parent, I reevaluated my career goals. I realized that one of my greatest strengths had always been editing, and editing would be the best way for me to contribute to causes like environmental protection. I set to work on getting formal training with UC Berkeley Extension's Professional Sequence in Editing, and I have been a freelance copy, line, and developmental editor since February 2021.