Tell us about your military service. What did you do? Where did you serve? What do you value the most about your military service?
I served nearly nine years in the Army, first as an Armor Officer and later as a Civil Affairs Officer in Special Operations. In those roles I led teams in complex environments, including deployments to Somalia, Republic of Korea and other regions, where I worked alongside U.S. and international partners, local governments, and NGOs to strengthen stability, build coalitions, and support governance initiatives. What I value most from my service is the opportunity to lead, build trust across cultures, and see firsthand how people and relationships – not hardware or technology alone – are the key to solving the hardest problems.
What are your thoughts on mentoring other students while at Vanderbilt? As a role model, what values do you want to share?
Mentoring is a way for me to give back to Vanderbilt. I want to share my experiences I learned in the military of leadership, problem-solving, and working with diverse/multi-national partners to solve problems. I’d emphasize resilience, collaboration across backgrounds, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone, while supporting classmates in both their goals and the broader community.
While at Vanderbilt, what will be the focus of your studies and how do you plan to use this knowledge in your future career?
At Vanderbilt, I’ll focus on strategy, operations, and how emerging tech like AI can be applied in business. I want to sharpen my business acumen, then use that knowledge to drive growth and partnerships in tech and national security after my MBA.
What would you tell other veterans about the Bass Military Scholars Program?
The program gave me an instant sense of belonging at Vanderbilt. After nearly nine years in the Army, it meant a lot to step onto campus and immediately have a network of fellow veterans who understood the transition and could share advice. For me, it’s not just about the scholarship, it’s about continuing that spirit of service through mentoring and giving back, while also having a tight-knit group to lean on as we all take on this next chapter. As a Bass Scholar, you are a marked man/woman, part of a group that looks out for each other, sets the standard, and makes a visible mark on Vanderbilt through mentorship and service.
Beyond your role as a Bass Military Scholar and Vanderbilt student, in what ways do you give back, support others, and engage with your community?
- English Conversation and Culture Instructor and Volunteer, Nashville International Center for Empowerment (NICE)
- Member, Armed Forces Club (Owen)