Sydney graduated from Virginia Tech in December 2022 with a degree in Sustainable Biomaterials and minors in both Environmental Engineering and Environmental Economics. In her undergraduate studies, Sydney was heavily involved in sustainability research. She investigated invasive species, researched phosphorus buildup in the Chesapeake Bay, investigated campus greenhouse gas emissions and reported waste characterization. Since graduating, Sydney has worked in circular packaging infrastructure and sustainable product design on the East Coast and worked as a hiking guide in Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador. Sydney joined the MS-ESM program to develop more business-oriented skills.