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Autumn Sanderson Sanderson

375

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Finalist

Bio

Hi there! I am a junior in college at Cal Poly Humboldt University. In the summers I make money for school by working as a whitewater rafting guide on the American River. I love learning about plants, books, and spending all of my time outdoors.

Education

Humboldt State University

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Environmental Services

    • Dream career goals:

    • Whitewater rafting guide

      Whitewater Excitement Inc.
      2021 – 20243 years

    Sports

    Softball

    Club
    2009 – 20178 years
    FMA College Scholarship
    Floods are a complex and multifaceted challenge that are exacerbated by the growing threat of climate change. As a student currently attending Cal Poly Humboldt, I have witnessed unnatural flooding first hand as Humboldt Bay begins to swallow the beautiful surrounding marshlands. I consider myself to be a strong advocate for flood risk reduction, and I recognize the urgency of addressing these challenges head-on through a combination of scientific innovation, community engagement, and equitable solutions. Climate change stands as one of the the primary culprits behind the increasing consistency and intensity of floods worldwide. Rising global temperatures lead to more extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and storm surges, amplifying normal seasonal flooding tenfold. Furthermore, sea-level rise compounds these hazards by threatening coastal communities with inundation and erosion. To combat this challenge, I believe that it is imperative to prioritize adaptation strategies in the most at-risk communities. These strategies would include mass investing in resilient infrastructure such as flood barriers and green infrastructure to mitigate flood impacts, and to protect vulnerable areas. As the threat of climate change spreads, it becomes more and more apparent that technology us going to play a pivotal role in revolutionizing flood risk management. Advancements in remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and satellite modeling techniques will provide invaluable tools for assessing/predicting flood hazards and developing mitigation strategies. For example, real-time monitoring systems enable early warning and rapid response to flood events which saves lives and reduces property damage. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence offer the potential to enhance predictive modeling and improve decision-making in flood risk management. By harnessing the power of technological innovation, we can discover more productive solutions to control flood impacts and build more resilient communities. As I further my educational career as a STEM student studying ecological restoration, I become increasingly committed to finding solutions to food hazards. I am very passionate about utilizing my growing knowledge and skills in a more hands-on approach, and I aspire to develop innovative solutions that will help save at-risk communities. Whether that be through conducting research on climate adaptation strategies, designing community-based flood resilience projects, or advocating for policy reforms, I am dedicated to making a tangible difference in reducing the impacts of floods resulting from climate change. Only together can we make a meaningful difference in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and the planet from the ravages of floods. We are the future; we are the hope.