Vi was born and raised in Minnesota, where they developed their love of the outdoors exploring the vast forests, prairies, and lakes of the Midwest. Minnesota will always be home to them, but their love for exploring new places and meeting new people encouraged them to look to Alaska for new opportunities. Vi joined SSSC for the first time as a Science Center Guide in 2024, leading tours and engaging with guests in the aquarium through the summer tourist season before heading back to the lower 48 to finish college. After earning their B.S. in Environmental Education and Interpretation from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, they remained in their home state working at an environmental learning center serving schools in the Twin Cities metro. While they enjoyed their work and students, Sitka remained at the back of their mind until they were hired back as the Visitor Engagement Lead at SSSC in 2026. In their free time, Vi enjoys fishing, foraging, cooking for their friends and family, and educating people on the intricacies of Midwest culture.