Background
School and Major: Columbia University’s Climate School, Climate and Society (M.A)
How did you get interested in environmental justice? What drew you to NASA?
I grew up in an ethnically and racially diverse household. My two younger sisters were adopted from Haiti. I also have an older brother who is adopted and is of Hispanic/Puerto Rican background. My oldest brother is half Persian. My mother raised us to value ourselves for who we are inside and to be proud of both the cultures we come from and the cultures we meld into. Because of my unique upbringing, I knew at a young age that I wanted to go into a field that focused on social justice and equity.
By the time I entered high school, that was a pivotal moment for me. I took a social studies course called “global studies” which was in essence, a beginner’s guide to topics in international relations. I found the course to be extremely interesting and deeply enlightening. From that point forward, I knew I wanted to study political science through an international lens. When I started college, I knew early on Poli-Sci would be a major I would pursue.
I added Marine Affairs (environmental studies with a particular focus on the marine and coastal environment) to my studies. I knew from watching the news and reading, that climate change would continue to grow in urgency. I grew up in a coastal community, so going to the beach and being out in nature was a daily occurrence for me and I was lucky to have grown up in a community, that in general, was healthy and thriving—but this is something that is not always the case for people. In fact, there are many communities and people who live in built environments made of concrete and steel who lack that kind of experience and opportunity and there are also communities who live in natural environments faced with pollution and exacerbated climate change impacts. These are issues that often disproportionately impact certain demographics, and finding solutions to solve these issues has been an interest of mine.
I did not learn about “environmental justice” until mid-way into my studies in Marine Affairs— learning about the disproportionate environmental impacts and burdens that certain groups, particularly marginalized communities face—that for me, is when it all clicked. It almost felt like it was meant to be because I had ALL the pieces, I just needed that one connector piece and for me, environmental justice was that connecter piece.
What drew me to NASA initially was the “environmental justice” in the role’s title, “Environmental Justice Research Support.” “Research” is also another keyword for me. I knew this opportunity would be a good fit for me. I’ve engaged in many EJ research projects during my undergraduate studies and throughout my time in graduate school—I tailored both my Bachelors’ majors to fit an EJ lens. I’ve had the opportunity to explore EJ through different facets and intersections, including international EJ, gender EJ, public health EJ, and racial/ethnic EJ and most specifically, the impacts environmental degradation and climate change poses on indigenous groups/Native Americans, and black and brown Americans... I made it my goal to dedicate research projects on these varied topics. Environmental justice is extremely interdisciplinary.
Describe what your work is like at NASA. What’s your favorite part of the job so far?
So far, I’m really enjoying the collaboration opportunities offered by the internship. Entering this internship last summer, I knew it would be a fully remote role. I was a little tentative about how independent of an experience it would be. I’ve really enjoyed listening to the people I’ve met, and learning about their work, their experience, passions, and what new projects and efforts are being undertaken in the agency. I appreciate the digital collaboration that is integrated into the internship and/or is being offered optionally. Additionally, I really appreciate my team. Everyone is so encouraging and positive. It is a very positive working environment, which is one of the most important aspects in a job for me.
What are your goals?
My number one goal for this fall internship is to sharpen my skills in the development of content, specifically in the creation of communication assets. I had the opportunity during the summer term to assist in the development of the EEJ program’s first newsletter! Additionally, I led a small team in the development of a resource guide highlighting the possibilities and limitation of NASA’s Earth observations and satellite data to inform EJ impacts. Through these efforts, I’ve been able to strengthen my skills in writing clearly and concisely, as well as writing strategically for various audiences. I’d like to continue building these skills during my extension into the fall term.
What are your hobbies?
Hobbies of mine include indoor rock climbing, mini golfing, swimming, walking along the beach, writing, spending time with my family, friends, and partner, and playing with my kitties!