I am a Presidential Doctoral Research Fellow working in Helga Van Miegroet’s lab at USU’s Quinney College of Natural Resources. My dissertation research focuses on forest vegetation effects on soil organic carbon quantity and stability. I am originally from Latvia where I received my bachelor’s in Environmental Sciences at the University of Latvia. My Master’s work on forest soil phosphorus at the University of Freiburg, Germany contributed to my decision to study soils for my PhD at USU. I love nature and outdoor activities, especially in the mountains. I am passionate about teaching, and after graduation would like to stay in academia doing research and teaching.