“Climate change carries no passport and knows no national borders. Countries must work toward the common interest, beyond narrow national interests.” In the face of climate disasters, this belief has fueled my passion for sustainable development, especially as climate change increasingly impacts underserved communities. Engineers play a crucial role in creating lasting, impactful solutions to these challenges, particularly for those who need it most. Through my leadership in Engineers Without Borders (EWB) at UC Davis, my work experiences, and my future aspirations, I’m committed to using engineering to empower communities all across the planet facing the harsh realities of a changing climate.
As the Program Manager for Engineers Without Borders at UC Davis, I lead two project teams working to improve water and sanitation systems in Bolivia and Peru. These projects have given me firsthand insight into how climate change disproportionately affects communities in the Global South. In Bolivia, I worked with a team to redesign latrines in Parque Colani, overcoming space constraints while ensuring the system was environmentally sustainable. In Saparcon Bajo, Peru, our team is focused on repairing a spring water system to provide a reliable source of clean water in an area struggling with droughts and unpredictable rainfall. These hands-on experiences have reinforced my belief that engineering can help communities build resilience to climate change, particularly by improving access to clean water and sanitation.
In addition to my work with EWB, I’m passionate about global development and volunteerism. After graduating, I plan to join the Peace Corps, where I will apply my skills to help communities rebuild infrastructure and develop sustainable solutions. My goal is to focus on water resource management, particularly in areas where climate change has deepened existing vulnerabilities. I am excited to collaborate directly with communities, learn a new language, and adapt to a different culture while expanding my engineering toolbelt in the realm of sustainable development.
I also strive to make a difference closer to home. As the Green Workplace Coordinator for UC Davis Sustainability, I work to reduce energy and water consumption across campus by auditing labs and offices. Through this role, I’ve learned that small-scale changes like reducing water waste or implementing compost bins can contribute to both personal and campus-wide environmental goals. At my construction management internship with Hensel Phelps, I gained valuable fieldwork experience and on-the-spot problem solving skills at the San Francisco International Airport. I learned that effective communication and organization is essential to the success of infrastructure builds, especially for minimizing waste and ensuring projects are completed as fast as possible.
Looking ahead, my career goal is to become a water resource engineer, specializing in project management and people-oriented solutions. I want to focus on water infrastructure projects that promote climate resilience, particularly in communities that lack the resources to adapt. I plan to pursue my Professional Engineer (PE) license to build expertise to tackle issues like water scarcity, flooding, poor sanitation, and other climate-related challenges. I hope to bridge the gap between technical engineering and the needs of vulnerable populations, ensuring that solutions work for everyone.
Ultimately, I envision using my engineering skills to help underserved communities adapt to and recover from the impacts of climate change. Whether through my involvement with Engineers Without Borders, my future Peace Corps service, or local sustainability initiatives, I am committed to finding and implementing sustainable solutions to water scarcity, infrastructure challenges, and climate vulnerability. I believe that engineers have the power to bring hope and resilience to communities in need, and I’m excited to be part of that transformation.