While my main focus is research, I believe community outreach is an important component of science and making a change.
The Diverse Education Community and Doctoral Experience (DECADE)
I act as a DECADE Representative for graduate students in the Department of Earth System Science. DECADE aims to foster an inclusive environment to increase participation, retention, and success of women and underrepresented minorities in graduate programs. We do this by hosting development and social events and presenting the student voice to faculty.
I worked with UCI Science Project to create a video featuring my work as a scientist to support K-5 teachers in creating a science curriculum for students during COVID-19.
Skype a Scientist
Considering my research focus on air pollution, and communities in the LA air basin being one of the most heavily impacted by air pollution, I reached out to a Title I, low-income, English Language Learners school in the LA county to host a skype-a-scientist session and introduce 4th grade students to opportunities in higher education and STEM. Through opportunities such as this, I aim to bridge the gap between students who are not typically exposed to higher education and STEM to get them excited and thinking about a career in science at a young age and hopefully empower them to make a change in their community.
zotCAMS: Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society
The mission of zotCAMS is to foster undergraduate and graduate involvement in atmospheric and climate science. Our organization aims to promote undergraduate retention in atmospheric and climate science by supporting atmospheric and climate science career paths. We advocate for student research opportunities, aid in the preparation for continuing education, and stimulate professional development in atmospheric and climate science. Graduate student involvement will nurture mentorship opportunities with undergraduate students, and both parties will benefit from networking, volunteerism, and outreach with our local community.
As the Food Waste Fellow at UCI, I work on projects with UCI Housing and UCI Dining to decrease food waste on campus to reach the UC goal of zero waste by 2020. My projects have included designing the UCI College Sustainability Cookbook, the development of interactive waste bins, and cooking programs in housing communities. My work was submitted as one of four of UCI’s innovations that led to UCI’s 2018 #1 “Coolest” School by Sierra and Platinum Sustainability rating from AASHE.
Student Leadership Institute for Climate Resilience (SLICR) Mentor
SLICR is held for incoming UCI students to provide an overview of some of the major challenges and opportunities we face in building community climate resilience, as well as tools for action. The program introduces
- Ways that climate change, racism and all social injustice, economic inequality, and our challenged democracy are connected;
- Leadership skills that develop inner awareness and awareness of the interdependence of all life;
- Key concepts and tools for changing systems and cultures such as intersectionality, decolonization, cultural narratives, collaborative problem solving, and systems thinking; and
- Key concepts and tools for assessing and addressing one’s own ecological footprint in the context of our communities.
Earth System Science Club Vice President
Earth System Science Club is devoted to creating a community among students interested in Earth System Science and Environmental Science. Along with biweekly meetings, the club hosts Alumni and Industry Networking Nights for students to learn about opportunities in the field.
Catalina Island Sustainability Alternative Spring Break Trip Leader
This spring break program brings a cohort of 14 students to Catalina Island to learn about sustainability and conservation through a series of volunteer projects. I served as the trip leader to connect what was learned at the trip with sustainability practices at the UCI campus.
UCI Costa Rica Program Ambassador
UCI Costa Rica Program took 14 UCI students to Costa Rica over spring break to conduct a personal qualitative research project. Upon return, students engaged in outreach events and organizing a symposium where they educated the community on sustainability practices they learned abroad.
Student Led Congress Facilitator
Student Led Congress was a leadership program pioneered by 4 UCI students and supported by the Global Sustainability Resource Center (GSRC). The goal was the help UCI students learn about sustainability opportunities and develop their own sustainability projects to benefit the campus. The program started with a weekend-long retreat and continued guidance led to a forum where students presented their projects to stakeholders.