I’m an environmental engineering graduate student driven by one goal, designing sustainable systems that improve lives. I discovered early on that I’m at my best in the lab, solving complex problems, testing ideas, and turning engineering principles into practical solutions. As an international student from the Dominican Republic, I’ve had to adapt quickly, academically, professionally, and culturally. Navigating a new education system while building a career in engineering has strengthened my independence, resilience, and work ethic. I bring a global perspective to every space I enter, especially in STEM environments where diverse viewpoints matter. Through research in water treatment, I’ve seen how engineering can directly impact public health. I plan to continue developing sustainable technologies that serve communities often overlooked in infrastructure and environmental policy and bring that knowledge and innovation back to my country.