"J.M." is a member of the Johns Hopkins University graduating class of 2019 who majored in environmental engineering and minored in classics. In this interview, they describe growing up in New York City with their parents and academic opportunities they had growing up which prepared them for college. J.M. goes on to talk about their transition to life on campus and in Baltimore, various jobs they've held as a student, and places they've lived. They also share their interest in environmental engineering and friendships they've made with classmates. J.M. advises other students to stay connected to their roots, get involved on campus, and broaden their horizons. This oral history is part of the First-generation Students oral histories series.

Grace Brush is a professor in the Johns Hopkins Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering. She has studied the impact of human disturbance on the Chesapeake Bay extensively and has been awarded the Mathias Medal for her work. She was also named a Fellow of the Ecological Society of America. In this history, Brush discusses her time at Hopkins and her research, especially that which she completed in the Chesapeake Bay. This oral history is part of the Mame Warren oral histories Series.