Tour Guide at Tulane University
She/her/hers
Class of 2026
Hometown: McLean, VA
Major: Environmental Biology
Professor Donata Henry is a Senior Professor in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department at Tulane. Not only did I have her for two semesters in Diversity of Life, and Theory and Methods of Ecology, but she informed me of the classes to take for my major and provided department-specific resources available to me as an undergraduate student. She is an incredible role model for a woman in science, and a fantastic mentor and advisor.
My favorite NOLA festival is Jazz Fest! My parents and I went last year and it was a spectacular showcase of multicultural music, art, and history. New Orleans has an incredibly unique culture that I feel so lucky to learn about while living in this city. Hearing live jazz at venues such as Tipitina's or Jazz Fest, as well as other genres of music, is such an enriching experience! I absolutely recommend going to Jazz Fest with family or friends!
My favorite outdoor spots in New Orleans include Audubon Park, the Fly, and City Park! Each space is unique in its biodiversity and natural history, but they are all beautiful outdoor spaces to immerse yourself in nature, whether on a walk, run, bike ride, or adventure with friends!
I chose Tulane for its academic opportunities available for undergraduate students. Those include research positions available as early as freshmen year, the unique curriculum the first-year TIDES classes provide, and readily available opportunities to engage and support local communities here in New Orleans through service learning. I was particularly drawn to Tulane's robust environmental biology department and its proximity to natural classrooms including local bayous and wetlands. Here, I can conduct field research alongside biologists, as well as increase access to science education in local communities.