Nicolette Filippone is a PhD candidate in Environmental Science at Rutgers University - Newark, specializing in near-surface geophysics. Her research focuses on long-term biodegradation processes at hydrocarbon-contaminated sites, integrating geophysical, geochemical, and microbiological data. She recently served as a summer lecturer at Rutgers and is passionate about mentoring, science communication, and advancing geoscience education. As a participant in the SEG IMAGE Near Surface Student Career Panel, she looks forward to sharing her academic journey and encouraging students to explore the diverse pathways geophysics offers.