As the resident engineer at Tenderfoot, I was able to help tend to many hands-on projects. I helped with construction that put finishing touches on the outdoor classroom. Most notably, I helped design a rainwater catchment system for the main house at Tenderfoot, which will be used for watering the gardens and providing water for the outdoor shower. With these additions, I hope that Tenderfoot can continue its journey for sustainability, self-sufficiency, and public education.

During my time at Tenderfoot, I worked on creating a marketing plan for future events, working on press releases, and writing articles describing various aspects of the lab. This allowed me to venture out into the woods and discover new parts of Athens, Ohio.

At Tenderfoot, I created a mural inspired by the lab’s wonders, including sycamore trees, mayapples, cardinals, an eastern box turtle, and the kitchen. Cooking in the test kitchen taught me practical skills that highlighted food’s central role in sustainability and community nourishment. This experience inspired me to paint a mural depicting these elements, reflecting my immersion in the Tenderfoot community.