Sydney graduated from James Madison University in 2023 with a B.S. in Geography and a minor in Environmental Science. Concentrating in Environmental Conservation, Sustainability, and Development. She participated in research from habitat fragmentation and butterfly diversity to mapping the relation of whooping crane migration paths to universities using GIS.

Prior to her current role, she was a landscape conservation intern at Defenders where she assisted with Farm Bill and National Wildlife Refuge research. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, and exploring new places.