M.S. candidate in Environmental Health Science San Diego State University - School of Public Health
I committed to a career in water-related research after completing my 2017 NSF-REU summer project assisting, Dr. Ranalda Tsosie, in the analysis of water samples near abandoned uranium mines on Navajo Nation - where my family is also from. When we found over half of the private wells we tested exceeded EPA limits for arsenic, I stopped taking water for granted. Presently, I am a masters student at San Diego State University, studying the efficacy of an advanced wastewater treatment technology for removing trace organic micropollutants using a novel nontargeted approach. My ultimate aims are to structure my career around work that strengthens water quality monitoring tools and policies, improves access to water and sanitation for underserved communities, and encourages youth to pursue environmental health related careers.