Kayla studied environmental studies and media at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. She currently works for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on composting and recycling policy. She plans to attend graduate school to pursue a career in journalism. Kayla’s writing was inspired by her time spent in Costa Rica and Nicaragua working on sea turtle conservation. She also appreciates telling stories through an environmental justice lens. After attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21 Paris Accords), she’s especially inspired to write about the global connection between climate change and human rights. In her spare time, Kayla prioritizes travel, camping, photography, and trail running.