Sydney grew up in Virginia where her love for the nonhuman environment was first developed. She graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a major in International Social Justice and minor in Environmental Studies. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah as a graduate student in the University of Utah’s Environmental Humanities program. Sydney’s research and work as an outdoor youth educator are dedicated to enhancing marginalized youth participation in nature-based programs for positive youth development and environmental stewardship. Outside of her studies, she can be found on her yoga mat, out hiking on trails, basking in the sun, or creating and performing music with her band!