Naomi grew up in the Pacific Northwest and has many fond memories of exploring the outdoors and road tripping with her family. In part because of these experiences, she developed a love for the outdoors from a young age. Now, her goal is to turn her passion into a career of working to preserve and maintain natural resources.

As a Master's student at the University of South Dakota, she has had the opportunity to study aquatic ecology, molecular biology, entomology, remote sensing, and conservation. In the last two years, Naomi has been involved in research using eDNA to detect and monitor the habitat of the endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly.

Outside of the classroom, Naomi is an outdoor and movement enthusiast. She enjoys spending time in nature, exercise, thrifting, creative projects, and investing time in her friends and community.