Meryl is an archaeologist at the University of Miami with interests in aerial photography, mapping and survey work for heritage research. Inspired by her grandfather, a Navy test pilot, Meryl began working towards her pilot’s license in college with a Air Force ROTC scholarship, but decided to table her pursuit of flying to instead pursue graduate school for archaeology. She now seeks to become a drone pilot for surveying research in collaboration with the Exploration Science program at the Rosentiel School of Atmospheric Science & Policy. According to Meryl, “I would use this scholarship to investigate new and known heritage sites for the city and the region, expanding our local knowledge of the history of our young city and larger women… I later plan to become a mentor to other women interested in employing drone technology in the sciences.”