During my sophomore year, I connected with Dr. Curcic who agreed to be my mentor for an independent honors science research project focused on wind, weather and waves.  Dr. Curcic is a leading expert in the field at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School, which houses the nation’s only Category-5 hurricane simulator—a 38,000-gallon tank capable of recreating the ocean’s most extreme conditions.  In addition to learning the mechanics of data-driven independent research and deepening my understanding of ocean sustainability, this project helped start a more formal partnership between the University of Miami and East Hampton High School, allowing for future students to pursue similar hands-on research opportunities at the Rosenstiel School.