I thoroughly enjoyed the first week, which was dedicated to orientation in Miami University at Ohio. During that time, I had the opportunity to meet many new people, gain a deeper understanding of the USFS's history, and immerse myself in a new environment.

I am currently working at the Sabana Field Research Station in Luquillo Puerto Rico, where I am learning various new administrative processes and gaining hands on experience in fieldwork specifically water sampling and throughfall collection for volume measurement. While my role is primarily administrative, I participate in sampling once a week. This involves venturing into the forest, particularly along the Bisley Trail, to collect samples from creeks and rivers. Although the fieldwork can sometimes get messy like when I occasionally slip in the mud, it adds excitement that I enjoy. One of my favorite aspects of sampling is being exposed to the beauty of nature and encountering various species of birds, insects, and plants.

In the laboratory, I have learned to operate new equipment and apply new techniques for filtering samples. Additionally, I have been involved in outreach activities at the station. We host university students and provide them with insights into the research conducted at the station, as well as the processes involved in each project. This interaction allows us to educate and inspire others on how they can contribute to environmental protection and preservation in various ways. Beyond my assigned tasks, I have also assisted the forest technicians with their duties. This involvement has helped me gain a comprehensive understanding of all the projects underway at the station, which is essential given the administrative nature of my role. Furthermore, I have visited our other site, the International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF) in Rio Piedras, where I had the opportunity to meet our director and other team members.