“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not”- Dr. Seuss, The Lorax.
When the Once-ler came across a valley of truffula trees, he began harvesting them to create his revolutionary product, the Thneed. Driven by ambition, he overharvested his resources and, in the process, everything vanished, all the animals, the trees, and even his business. Only then did he realize his mistake. What started as a small impact grew into something that seemed irreversible.
Much like the Once-ler, humanity has been depleting natural resources faster than they can replenish them. Human activities have amplified the effects of climate change, making extreme weather events and natural hazards such as floods and droughts more intense and frequent.
I vividly remember the 2017 Thomas Fire in Southern California, hundreds of homes engulfed in flames, the night sky a fiery glow. The air thick and sticky with smoke, and the once lush slopes, barren and lifeless. At the time it was the most devastating fire, now in 2025 we have surpassed that record five times.
This reality inspires me to be a water resources engineer. I want to mitigate these disasters and build multi-use infrastructure that lasts for many generations. In my research, I have been able to look into compounding impacts of climate extremes; wildfires, droughts, and floods. For instance, after a wildfire; changes in soil properties reduce its ability to absorb water. If a flood follows, rather than recharging the groundwater, water runs off the surface, often flowing into the ocean or urban areas, diminishing a community's resilience to future drought. This positive feedback loop can all happen in the span of five years, leaving an ecosystem vulnerable.
Yet, our current guidelines and policies are not equipped to address these relationships. There is a disconnect between how we monitor and respond to different hazards, largely because data is fragmented across various agencies; USGS is responsible for the management of flood records, NOAA tracks atmospheric data like rainfall and temperature, etc. This fragmentation makes it difficult to connect hazard monitoring with effective policies. In order to make informed decisions and understand future impacts, we need an integrated system that synthesizes the data from multiple agencies.
By adopting impact-based monitoring of extreme events such as floods, we can better understand the relationships between natural hazards and their socioeconomic consequences. For example, a reduction in food production in the United States can ripple across the globe through export and import chains. By modeling this behavior, we can address vulnerabilities and disadvantaged communities worldwide.
Looking ahead, I envision myself as a water resources engineer bridging the gap between government policy, academic research, and industry practices. Leading the development of sustainable solutions, fostering change, and strengthening community resilience. I am passionate about adapting critical infrastructure, such as dams to withstand extreme events. By leveraging satellite data, GIS, and remote sensing technologies, I hope to apply statistical models to hydrologic systems, and explore the interactions among water, agriculture, natural hazards, and food security. Through my involvement with CSU Water, Valley Water, and Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action I advocate for public participation, fostering change through community outreach, education, and collaboration. Combining innovation, proactive policy engagement, and community and stakeholder partnerships.
Receiving this scholarship would give me a strong support system to further advance my education, focusing deeper into my research. Empowering me to make a tangible impact in addressing climate change. I know as a dedicated leader I can drive change, help empower the future generation and create sustainable solutions and a resilient future for our water ways.
As an aspiring water resources engineer, I envision my role in addressing the engineering challenges posed by climate change through innovative research, practical application, and proactive policy advocacy. My academic and professional journey has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to this critical field, and I am committed to leveraging my expertise to create sustainable solutions that mitigate the impacts of our changing environment.
During my academic career, I have focused on understanding the dynamics of water systems and their vulnerabilities to climate change. My research has centered on developing models to predict the impacts of extreme weather events on water resources. Specifically, I have investigated how increased rainfall intensity and frequency due to climate change can overwhelm existing stormwater infrastructure, leading to urban flooding. By utilizing advanced hydrological models and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), I have identified critical areas at risk and proposed targeted mitigation strategies.
One notable research project involves assessing the resilience of a local watershed to climate-induced changes in precipitation patterns. Through this project, I analyze historical weather data, project future climate scenarios, and evaluate the performance of current water management practices. The findings highlight the need for adaptive infrastructure, such as enhanced drainage systems and green infrastructure solutions like bioswales and permeable pavements, to better manage stormwater runoff and reduce flood risks. This research provides valuable insights for local policymakers and urban planners.
Looking forward, I am eager to continue this line of work and expand my impact on a broader scale. My goal is to contribute to the development of resilient water management systems that can withstand the uncertainties of climate change. This involves advancing technical solutions and engaging with communities and stakeholders to ensure these solutions are equitable and inclusive.
In my future career, I plan to focus on the following key areas:
Innovative Water Management Solutions: I aim to develop and implement technologies and practices that enhance water efficiency and conservation. This includes promoting smart water systems that leverage real-time data to optimize water distribution and usage, as well as exploring alternative water sources such as rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling.
Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies: I am committed to designing and advocating for infrastructure that can adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. This involves integrating nature-based solutions, such as wetland restoration and urban green spaces, into traditional engineering practices to create multifunctional landscapes that provide ecological, social, and economic benefits.
Policy and Advocacy: Recognizing the importance of supportive regulatory frameworks, I intend to actively participate in policy development and advocacy efforts. By collaborating with governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups, I aim to influence policies that promote sustainable water management practices and prioritize climate resilience.
Community Engagement and Education: Empowering communities to take an active role in water management is crucial for long-term sustainability. I plan to engage in educational initiatives that raise awareness about the impacts of climate change on water resources and promote community-led solutions. By fostering a culture of stewardship, we can build resilient communities that are better prepared to face future challenges.
The scholarship will provide me with the necessary resources to further my education and research in water resources engineering, enabling me to develop innovative solutions and make meaningful contributions to the fight against climate change. With this support, I am confident in my ability to drive positive change and help create a sustainable and resilient future for our water systems.
