My academic journey began with a focus on Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Waterloo, where I gained geospatial analysis skills in GIS and remote sensing. My undergraduate thesis on deforestation in Paragominas, Amazonia sparked my interest in tropical forest ecology and set the foundation for my Ph.D. studies. My graduate study at Cornell University prepared me well with initial research experience and training in data science and coding skills. These experiences led to a rewarding 5-year Ph.D. experience at UC Berkeley, where I investigated the impacts of climate extremes—including tropical cyclones, convective storms, and wildfires—on temperate and tropical forest dynamics, using statistical methods, machine learning, AI technologies, and Earth system modeling.