Ciera is a highly dedicated conservation advocate persistently committed to preserving wildlife and building community involvement . With a little over 113 hours of volunteer experience at the Fort Fisher Aquarium, she has honed a strong base of knowledge in animal husbandry and patron education. Her role as an animal ambassador has allowed her to connect with visitors, bridging her passion for marine life and the relevance of conservation.

During her 80 hour summer internship as a junior intern at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital, Ciera not only gained hands-on experience in rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles but also took on the responsibility of leading public tours. This role built her public speaking skills in order to educate visitors about the challenges sea turtles face in the wild and the significance of their conservation.

Ciera's love for zoology and natural sciences drives her love for NC State and hopes to pursue research on sea turtles and North Carolina wildlife and in turn contribute to the scientific community. Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her recognition at the UNCW Youth Entrepreneurship Competition, where she earned 2nd place in the Social Enterprise category and was honored with the Blue Economy award alongside her twin sister Maya. They pitched new ideas in order to protect marine life against ship strikes and bycatch. These achievements reflect her creative thinking and her desire to participate in sustainable solutions for our environment.

In addition to her conservation efforts, Ciera is an active member of the Wilmington Symphony Youth Orchestra, where she nurtures her passion for music. She is a founding member of the Isaac Bear String Quartet, where students can participate in group practice and performances in the community. Balancing her musical pursuits with athletics, she is also a proud co-captain in her school's varsity cross country and a member of the track team, demonstrating her ability to work in a team and persevere through physical activity.

Ciera's ultimate goal is to merge her interests in writing, STEM, and wildlife conservation at her dream university, NC State. By using her voice and skills, she aims to inspire others to appreciate and protect our ecosystems, which we rely so heavily on.