Age: 25

Hometown: Cleveland, MS

University Affiliations: Mississippi Valley State University

Dates of Attendance: August 1993 to Present

Degrees Earned: Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology (May 1997), Master of Science Degree in Environmental Health (May 1999), Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice (May 2000)

Awards: Environmental Protection Agency Fellowship (1995), Patricial Roberts Harris Graduate Fellowhsip Award (1997)

Hobbies: Reading environmental and criminal justice journals, traveling, and cooking

Educational Goals: To obtain a Ph.D. in Public Health

Career Goals: To become an innovate and driving force in the field of public and environmental health by focusing on research that aims to increase the quality of life by promoting a cleaner and safer environment.

Educational Philosophy: Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern, but difficult to enslave.

Personal Philosophy: Maximize each and every moment, for each and every moment is unique and one that will not come again. In life, the right to happiness is guaranteed to no one, only the pursuit of happiness is guaranteed. Live the life you want to live, and success will be found in the moments of pursuit.

Primary Language: English

Secondary/Foreign Language(s): None

The US/Africa Energy Ministers Conference relates to my area of interest because of the environmental concerns and policy implications that relate to climate change and sustainable growth and development. With a major focus being put on economic growth and development, African nations must ensure that the environment can promote such a change without suffering from the effects of this type of development, such as deforestation and new industry.

I have no special desire to cover any one part of Africa because I have not had any studies or experiences with any one area or country in Africa. Instead I would like to explore and learn about a number of countries in Africa as it relates to its energy and environmental concerns.