2020-21 Traveling Fellow (Travelled 2022-2023, due to COVID-19)
The Other Nature Project: Rethinking Conservation for the Next Generation

During her Keegan Fellowship, Frances studied the community and environmental impacts of national park systems and conservation projects around the world, with an eye towards understanding and developing more equitable conservation solutions. She explored how models of conservation proliferated around the world, surveyed conflicts surrounding protected areas, and observed the human-nature relationship across cultures, ecosystems, and borders.

Backpacking, climbing mountains, scuba diving, and more, she navigated through 17 countries during her year of travel.

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Majors/Minors: Economics, Spanish/Environmental & Sustainability Studies, Business

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Before her Keegan Fellowship, Frances spent two years living in the mountains of Colorado. As a Ruckelshaus Fellow and Project Associate at Meridian Institute, she worked across many issue areas — supporting efforts as diverse as advancing ocean policy in Mexico and increasing data equity in low- and middle-income contexts globally.

At Vanderbilt, Frances graduated cum laude with honors in the College of Arts & Science. A Cornelius Vanderbilt Scholar, Top 10 Outstanding Senior, and the Student Body President, Frances spearheaded initiatives on sustainability and economic inclusivity. She was also involved on campus as Co-President of the College Scholars Program, a trip leader for the Outdoor Recreation Center, and an Alternative Spring Break Site Leader.

In her free time, you can find Frances active and in the outdoors—skiing, backpacking, running up and down mountains, and more. She loves to read, watch documentaries, and practice her Spanish and French.