I saw the impact that climate change had on the minority communities I grew up in. It was clear that wealthier communities experienced easy access to green space and infrastructure to handle their waste, while lower-income communities were not given these same opportunities. Impoverished communities experienced environmental disasters the most, yet received the least assistance. Today, I aim to tackle environmental injustice. My most significant community service experience has been my work as a fellow with OurClimate, a program dedicated to training youth in environmental advocacy. Through this role, I engaged directly with legislators in Oregon, advocating for climate education, fossil fuel divestment, and environmental justice. One pivotal moment was advocating for the Pause Act, a bill aimed at pausing all of Oregon’s investments in fossil fuels; this will give our governmental officials time to invest in clean energy and propel Oregon into reaching our net-zero goals. Speaking with legislators, I learned how to communicate complex scientific issues in accessible and persuasive ways effectively. This experience not only strengthened my leadership and public speaking skills but also deepened my understanding of how policy change can drive environmental justice. It taught me the power of persistence, strategic communication, and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices within legislative processes. My experience advocating for environmental bills has reinforced my belief that research and advocacy must go hand in hand to create lasting, equitable environmental solutions. It has also clarified my career aspirations: I aim to become an environmental scientist within the Environmental Protection Agency, specializing in research that addresses climate change impacts on marginalized communities. To achieve this, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental science, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to develop evidence-based solutions that inform equitable policies. In addition to environmental advocacy, I am also a huge advocate for inclusive educational spaces. As a young Black woman in STEM, I understand the barriers that exist for people of color such as myself. This is why I seek to give back to the communities that have supported me the most. As a scholar of the McNair program, a TRIO program that supports low-income students preparing for graduate school I have been provided with priceless guidance and research funding. I am now a McNair Peer mentor who assists the new McNair scholars in communicating with professors, working in labs, and conducting research. Additionally, Joining my university’s Environmental Leaders program provided me with personal and professional connections that I still cherish. Today, I am a teacher’s assistant for the 2024-2025 freshmen in the Environmental Leaders class. I provide guidance to new students inside and outside of the classroom by hosting educational workshops and assisting students during office hours. Throughout my career, I plan to incorporate community service by engaging with communities like the ones I grew up in. I hope to advocate for marginalized students to work towards their dreams in STEM while using my research to empower marginalized communities and tackle environmental injustice.

I envision a future in which everyone has equal access to cannot clean air, waterways, and soil. Through my advocacy, journalism, and research I seek to dismantle the pillars of racism, sexism, and classism, all branches of the same tree I call environmental injustice.. Because until every human’s well-being is valued equally, somebody will experience contaminated water, air, or soil. Growing up with a single immigrant mother meant that finances were tight and sometimes that meant our housing situation was unstable. We moved from city to city, and my mother constantly looked for a stable place for us to call home. Moving so much meant I saw the contrast of the world. On one side of New York City, there were high rises, fancy buildings, and easy access to green spaces. But on the other side, such as the Projects my family frequented whenever times got tough, there were none of those same resources. Moving to Georgia, I observed the same pattern. At the time, I didn’t have the language or understanding to know that this was environmental injustice, it was simply a fact of life I observed. These early experiences, combined with my passion for science, have driven me to pursue a career where I can bridge research and advocacy to address climate change and environmental injustice. As a young Black woman in environmental science, I understand the barriers that exist for people of color such as myself. I am committed to using my voice to ensure that communities like mine are not only heard but empowered. I dream of a world where every child, regardless of zip code, can experience pristine parks, clean air, and environmental safety. Through research, advocacy, and policy engagement, I will continue working toward that reality. Taking classes in environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty gave me the vocabulary to describe my experiences and taught me about the intersection between racism and climate change. Outside of my courses, I interned with two environmental justice-focused programs: Beyond Toxics, a non-profit dedicated to creating environmental justice within Oregon, and Just Futures, an organization focused on water justice and anti-racism. These were very impactful experiences, as I saw firsthand the challenges marginalized people face for their basic rights like access to water or clean air. It highlighted for me that climate change is a societal issue as much as it is an ecological issue. Today, my career goal is to work as an environmental scientist for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), researching climate change intersections with marginalized communities. I plan on attaining a Ph.D in environmental science to deepen my understanding of climate science. Currently, I work in Dr. Hallett’s lab. I started working with a graduate student on their research project investigating plant interactions under different plant densities, water levels, and different soil microbial communities. I hypothesized that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) colonization in plant roots could change with plant density and water level. After receiving summer funding from the McNair program, I planned a summer project that included detailed root collection, staining plant matter, and quantifying AMF colonization through the microscope. At the end of the summer, I presented my preliminary results at the National McNair Research Conference at UCLA. I look forward to publishing my findings in my university’s science journal and presenting my official results at the University of Oregon Research Symposium. Next summer, I will be conducting similar research at Cornell’s Boyce Thompson Institute, expanding my understanding of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and its ability to help plants tackle climate change.

My mother is a woman who has constantly overcome all odds. As a Jamaican immigrant, she had to become self-reliant at a young age. As a teenager, she worked multiple jobs and pursued her musical talents in piano and singing while keeping her grades high. Once she graduated school and became pregnant with me, she began to pursue entrepreneurship. My father left the picture and my mother was forced to fend for herself. Although intimidating, this was a battle my mother could handle. As a single mother to my sister and I, there were times when we struggled to make ends meet. For a while, we teetered on the brink of homelessness, sometimes living in hotels, and at one point we found ourselves in New York City’s projects. However, no matter how defeated my mother felt she always kept a strong front for my sister and me. She would tell us, “Even when nobody else believes in you, you must believe in yourself.” And yet, I have always known that as long as she is alive, there will always be one person who believes in me. She prioritized our education even if that meant spending her last dimes on attending a private Catholic school. I recall waking at 5 am to take several trains to a private school outside of the neighborhood because she refused to let circumstances define our potential. I watched her as she grew her multiple businesses from the ground up. Some failed while others flourished. In addition to starting multiple successful online businesses, I watched as my mother pursued her ambitions of earning her Real Estate License. It was the unwavering determination to provide a better life for her children that got us out of housing insecurity. My mother has raised my sister and me with the confidence that we can do anything and be anything we want to be. She is a real-life example that no aspiration is too big and no goal can be unreached. From completing challenging courses to conducting research that seems to be outside of my scope I apply her spirit of ambition and relentlessness in everything that I do. Today, I am pursuing my undergraduate degree in environmental science with the hopes of earning a Ph.D. I want to work for the Environmental Protection Agency, researching climate change and how it impacts marginalized communities like the ones I grew up in the most. Additionally, I hope to inspire my children like my mother did. I too want to show my children the merit of hard work, determination, and confidence in oneself.

Growing up, I saw the impact that climate change had on the minority communities I grew up in. It was clear that wealthier communities experienced easy access to green space and infrastructure to handle their waste, while lower-income communities were not given these same opportunities. This was simply a fact of life I observed. Witnessing these disparities inspired me to pursue a career in environmental science. Like many women of color pursuing education, one of the biggest barriers I’ve faced in my educational journey is financial instability. Independently supporting myself through college on a limited income while balancing rigorous coursework has been a constant challenge. Despite this, I have remained committed to my academic goals by seeking scholarships, budgeting carefully, and taking advantage of every academic resource whenever possible. Additionally, we must navigate the lack of diversity within STEM spaces; I often find myself the only woman of color in many of the rooms I enter. It is because of these experiences I am deeply committed to environmental justice. This previous summer, I had the privilege of presenting my ecology research at the National McNair Research Conference at UCLA. During the week I attended the conference, many professors gave inspirational speeches on what it meant to be a researcher, scientist, and a person of color all at once. I was particularly inspired by Professor Gaye Theresa Johnson. She spoke about cherishing her success and overcoming the odds to become one of the few professors who are a woman and person of color. For the first time, I felt understood on both an academic and personal level. Her speech inspired me to aim to become more than a researcher but advocate for those who may not have a voice no matter the challenge I may face. Her speech inspired me to become more than a researcher; I wanted to advocate for those who may not have a voice. This is why I worked on water justice for indigenous communities as an intern at Just Futures Institute, with law professor Alai Reyes Santos. As part of my role, I hosted discussions with Indigenous women to highlight the intersection of environmental justice and cultural resilience. I learned how many of these women faced water scarcity their whole lives. Yet, the young women were ambitious college and law students, yearning to make a difference within their communities. I wrote about their experiences, getting my work published on Just Futures’ website. I hope my work opens a conversation on water injustice within marginalized communities. I plan on attaining a Ph.D in environmental science to deepen my understanding of climate science while gaining the research training necessary to develop solutions to environmental challenges. My career goal is to work for the Environmental Protection Agency, researching climate change and how it intersects with environmental and gender injustice. Additionally, I want to serve as an example for young women within science fields. I want to show them that their dreams are attainable despite the challenges they face.

My mother is a woman who has constantly overcome all odds. As a Jamaican immigrant, she had to become self-reliant at a young age. As a teenager, she worked multiple jobs and pursued her musical talents in piano and singing while keeping her grades high. It was that work ethic that got her, a first-generation college student, into Spelman College on a full-ride scholarship. In the heart of Atlanta, my mother pursued singing and acting, facing success in many ways. But she is a woman of many trades. Once she graduated college and became pregnant with me, she began to pursue entrepreneurship. Once my father left the picture, my mother was forced to fend for herself. Although intimidating, this was a battle my mother could handle. As a single mother to my sister and I, there were times when we struggled to make ends meet. For a while, we teetered on the brink of homelessness, sometimes living in hotels, and at one point we found ourselves in New York City’s projects. However, no matter how defeated my mother felt she always kept a strong front for my sister and me. She would tell us, “Even when nobody else believes in you, you must believe in yourself.” And yet, I have always known that as long as she is alive, there will always be one person who believes in me. She prioritized our education even if that meant spending her last dimes on attending a private Catholic school. I recall waking at 5 am to take several trains to a private school outside of the neighborhood because she refused to let circumstances define our potential. I watched her as she grew her multiple businesses from the ground up. Some failed while others flourished. In addition to starting multiple successful online businesses, I watched as my mother pursued her ambitions of earning her Real Estate License. It was the unwavering determination to provide a better life for her children that got us out of housing insecurity. My mother has raised my sister and me with the confidence that we can do anything and be anything we want to be. She is a real-life example that no aspiration is too big and no goal can be unreached. From completing challenging courses to conducting research that seems to be outside of my scope I apply her spirit of ambition and relentlessness in everything that I do. Today, I am pursuing my undergraduate degree in environmental science with the hopes of earning a Ph.D. I want to work for the Environmental Protection Agency, researching climate change and how it impacts marginalized communities like the ones I grew up in the most. Additionally, I hope to inspire my children like my mother did. I too want to show my children the merit of hard work, determination, and confidence in oneself.

My mother has raised my sister and me with the confidence that we can do anything and be anything we want to be. She is a real-life example that no aspiration is too big and no goal can be unreached. From completing challenging courses to conducting research that seems to be outside of my scope I apply her spirit of ambition and relentlessness in everything that I do. Today, I am pursuing my undergraduate degree in environmental science with the hopes of earning a Ph.D. I want to work for the Environmental Protection Agency, researching climate change and how it impacts marginalized communities like the ones I grew up in the most. Through my participation in the McNair program, a program dedicated to helping low-income students enter graduate school, I received summer funding for my research in the Hallett Lab. I planned an ambitious project that focused on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and its role in helping plants stay resilient in climate change. This experience has taught me how to balance research curiosity with practical limitations and adapt to challenges, both valuable skills I will carry throughout my career. At the end of the summer, I presented my preliminary results at the National McNair Research Conference at UCLA. I look forward to publishing my findings in my university’s science journal and presenting my official results at the University of Oregon Research Symposium. Next summer, I will be conducting similar research at Cornell’s Boyce Thompson Institute, expanding my understanding of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and its ability to help plants tackle climate change. As a young Black woman in STEM, I understand the barriers that exist for people of color such as myself. This is why I seek to give back to the communities that have supported me the most. With the support of the McNair program, the dream of earning a Ph.D now feels tangible. To give back, I am now a McNair Peer mentor who assists the new McNair scholars in communicating with professors and conducting research. I aspire to help other students realize that their dreams are tangible too. I have also been a member of the University of Oregon’s Environmental Leaders program. Professor Stephanie LeManager, a professor who taught environmental justice classes in this program, nominated me for a fellowship that led to me working with law professor Alai Reyes Santos. We advocated for water justice within indigenous communities. I spoke with these communities and integrated their experiences in my writing--which later became published--hopefully bringing light to water injustice. Today, I am a teacher’s assistant for the 2024-2025 freshmen in the Environmental Leaders class. I seek to provide the same inspirational guidance my professors did freshman year to the new students. Additionally, I am a climate advocate, working with the Oregon OurClimate program. I speak with legislators on the importance of bills supporting climate education and fossil fuel divestment bills within Oregon. I plan to bring awareness of these bills to students on my campus, hopefully inspiring my fellow students to advocate for a greener, fossil-free future. Like many women of color pursuing education, one of the biggest barriers I’ve faced in my educational journey is financial instability. Independently supporting myself through college on a limited income while balancing rigorous coursework has been a constant challenge. I have remained persistent in pursuing my goals, determined to succeed in my undergraduate career, graduate school, and uplift others facing similar obstacles. I look forward to using my skills in research, environmental advocacy, and science communication to make a lasting impact within my field and within the communities I grew up in.

I aim to become an environmental leader in science and social justice. Growing up, I saw the impact that climate change had on both the communities around me and local ecosystems. As someone who never backs down from a challenge, I knew I had to make a difference; climate change is looming but I refuse to believe we are doomed. I lead with my strong abilities to form community with others, promote understanding, and communicate through science. In the name of science, I am willing to get my hands wet or dirty as it is all equally enthralling to me. However, one of the most impactful research opportunities I’ve been blessed to have occurred this past summer in the Hallett lab at my home institution, the University of Oregon. I also have experience leading an independent research project. I started in Dr. Lauren Hallett’s lab working with a graduate student on their research project investigating plant interactions under different plant densities, water levels, and with different soil microbial communities. I took notice of a new research direction; while we were measuring plant responses, I hypothesized that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization in plant roots could also be changing with plant density and water level. I planned an ambitious project that included detailed root collection, staining, and sampling from plants in all treatments. However, my participation in the McNair program required me to work within a ten-week time frame. I tested methods for the first few weeks of my project and realized that there were too many samples to complete in the allotted time frame, while also preparing a manuscript draft for the McNair program. I decided to scale back my research and focus on the most important treatment comparisons to answer my research question successfully. I experienced another setback when a lens on the shared microscope I was using was damaged. I learned that the initial way that I was using the microscope could have caused the damage. I took ownership of my actions and promptly followed up with the microscope owner to be retrained before continuing to use the equipment to be a good steward of communal resources. This experience has taught me how to balance research curiosity with practical limitations, refine my research questions, and adapt to challenges. These are valuable skills I will carry forward to future research projects. At the end of the summer, I presented my preliminary results at the National McNair Research Conference at the University of California Los Angeles. I look forward to publishing my findings in my university’s science journal and presenting my official results at the University of Oregon Research Symposium. Lastly, I plan on attending a summer research internship at Cornell, further exploring AMF’s role in ecosystems. My ultimate career goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental science, where I can shift my research focus to climate mitigation and adaptation. Upon completing my Ph.D, I aim to work for the Environmental Protection Agency, where I can use science as a means of advocacy and help everyday people enjoy better air, water, and soil quality.

Growing up with a single immigrant mother meant that finances were tight and sometimes that meant our housing situation was unstable. However, this meant I saw the contrast of the world. On one side of New York City, there were high rises, fancy buildings, and easy access to green spaces. But on the other side, such as the Projects my family frequented whenever times got tough, there were none of those same resources. At the time, I didn’t have the language or understanding to know that this was environmental injustice, it was simply a fact of life I observed. These early experiences, combined with my passion for science, have driven me to pursue a career where I can bridge research and advocacy to address climate change and environmental injustice. As a young Black woman in environmental science, I understand the barriers that exist for people of color such as myself. I am committed to using my voice to ensure that communities like mine are not only heard but empowered. I dream of a world where every child, regardless of zip code, can experience pristine parks, clean air, and environmental safety. Through research, advocacy, and policy engagement, I will continue working toward that reality. Today, I am pursuing my undergraduate degree in environmental science with the hopes of earning a Ph.D. I want to work for the Environmental Protection Agency, researching climate change and how it impacts marginalized communities like the ones I grew up in the most.

Hello, I am Tetianna Smith-Drysdale. A junior at University of Oregon studying environmental science and science communication. Growing up with a single immigrant mother, my childhood experiences of witnessing social and environmental injustice have inspired my career goal to work as a scientist for the Environmental Protection Agency, researching climate change and the disproportionate impacts it has had as marginalized groups. To reach this goal, I plan on attaining a Ph.D in to gain the research training and skills to develop real-world solutions. Through my participation in the McNair program, a program dedicated to helping low-income students enter graduate school, I received summer funding for my research in the Hallett Lab. I planned an ambitious project that focused on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and its role in helping plants stay resilient in climate change. This experience has taught me how to balance research curiosity with practical limitations and adapt to challenges, both valuable skills I will carry throughout my career. At the end of the summer, I presented my preliminary results at the National McNair Research Conference at UCLA. I look forward to publishing my findings in my university’s science journal and presenting my official results at the University of Oregon Research Symposium. Next summer, I will be conducting similar research at Cornell’s Boyce Thompson Institute, expanding my understanding of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and its ability to help plants tackle climate change. As a young Black woman in STEM, I understand the barriers that exist for people of color such as myself. This is why I seek to give back to the communities that have supported me the most. With the support of the McNair program, the dream of earning a Ph.D now feels tangible. To give back, I am now a McNair Peer mentor who assists the new McNair scholars in communicating with professors and conducting research. I aspire to help other students realize that their dreams are tangible too. I have also been a member of the University of Oregon’s Environmental Leaders program. Professor Stephanie LeManager, a professor who taught environmental justice classes in this program, nominated me for a fellowship that led to me working with law professor Alai Reyes Santos. We advocated for water justice within indigenous communities. I spoke with these communities and integrated their experiences in my writing--which later became published--hopefully bringing light to water injustice. Today, I am a teacher’s assistant for the 2024-2025 freshmen in the Environmental Leaders class. I seek to provide the very same inspirational guidance my professors did freshman year to the new students. Additionally, I am a climate advocate, working with the Oregon OurClimate program. I speak with legislators on the importance of bills supporting climate education and fossil fuel divestment bills within Oregon. I plan to bring awareness of these bills to students on my campus, hopefully inspiring my fellow students to advocate for a greener, fossil-free future. Receiving the Charlene K. Howard Chogo scholarship would be life changing in supporting me achieve my goals. With this support, I can focus on gaining hands-on experience in environmental and climate advocacy, while honing skills that will be crucial for my upcoming career.

As a young girl, moving with my family from place to place, I noticed two different worlds. When I lived in nicer, wealthier communities, there was easy access to green spaces, better infrastructure to handle waste and cleaner sidewalks. It was clear that our well-being was prioritized. When exposed to poorer communities, often populated by people of color (POC), there were hardly any green spaces and no infrastructure or services to keep the surrounding areas clean. At the time, I didn’t have the language or understanding to know that this was environmental injustice, it was simply a fact of life I observed. As someone who never backs down from a challenge, I knew I had to make a difference. I lead with my strong abilities to form community with others, promote understanding, and communicate through science. I have various leadership experience, including formal leadership positions such as a teaching assistant and as a community member of my university’s Student Sustainability Center (SSC) program. Through research and science communication, I aim to empower those around me and highlight the experiences of communities that often go unnoticed. My ultimate career goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental science, where I can shift my research focus to climate mitigation, adaptation, and the impacts climate change has on marginalized communities. Upon completing my Ph.D, I aim to work for the Environmental Protection Agency, where I can use science as a means of advocacy and help everyday people enjoy better air, water, and soil quality. As an intern for Just Futures Institute, I worked with law professor Alai Reyes Santos on water justice. Within and outside of Oregon, there are Indigenous and other communities of color whose basic needs go unnoticed. Through my work, I sought to use writing as a tool to be the voice for those who often weren’t listened to. I had discussions with Indigenous women to highlight the intersection of environmental justice and cultural resilience. My writing emphasized the importance water access had on not only their lives but cultural and spiritual well-being. Some of my work went on to be published on the Just Futures website. It is my hope that by highlighting Indigenous peoples' experiences, more legal action will be taken to ensure that their basic needs are met. Furthermore, my previous research experience has helped me understand the importance of science communication within my field. While I started research in Dr. Hallett’s plant ecology lab working with a graduate student on their research project, I eventually took notice of a new research direction. I hypothesized that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization in plant roots could change with plant density and water level. I planned an ambitious summer project that included detailed root collection, staining, and sampling from plants. This project was the first time in my college career that I was in charge of such a large undertaking and many setbacks left me intimidated. By seeking guidance from mentors and taking responsibility for my actions, I was able to successfully complete the project and prepare a manuscript draft over the summer. At the end of the summer, I earned the opportunity to present my preliminary results at the UCLA McNair Conference. In the upcoming months, I will be working with professor Hallett to get my research published, presenting my final results at the UO Research Symposium, and expanding my plant-fungi research at Cornell’s Boyce Thompson Institute.

I saw the impact that climate change had on the minority communities I grew up in. It was clear that wealthier communities experienced easy access to green space and infrastructure to handle their waste, while lower-income communities were not given these same opportunities. Impoverished communities experienced environmental disasters the most, yet received the least assistance. Today, I aim to tackle environmental injustice. My most significant community service experience has been my work as a fellow with OurClimate, a program dedicated to training youth in environmental advocacy. Through this role, I engaged directly with legislators in Oregon, advocating for climate education, fossil fuel divestment, and environmental justice. One pivotal moment was advocating for the Pause Act, a bill aimed at pausing all of Oregon’s investments in fossil fuels; this will give our governmental officials time to invest in clean energy and propel Oregon into reaching our net-zero goals. Speaking with legislators, I learned how to communicate complex scientific issues in accessible and persuasive ways effectively. This experience not only strengthened my leadership and public speaking skills but also deepened my understanding of how policy change can drive environmental justice. It taught me the power of persistence, strategic communication, and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices within legislative processes. My experience advocating for environmental bills has reinforced my belief that research and advocacy must go hand in hand to create lasting, equitable environmental solutions. It has also clarified my career aspirations: I aim to become an environmental scientist within the Environmental Protection Agency, specializing in research that addresses climate change impacts on marginalized communities. To achieve this, I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in environmental science, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to develop evidence-based solutions that inform equitable policies. In addition to environmental advocacy, I am also a huge advocate for inclusive educational spaces. As a young Black woman in STEM, I understand the barriers that exist for people of color such as myself. This is why I seek to give back to the communities that have supported me the most. As a scholar of the McNair program, a TRIO program that supports low-income students preparing for graduate school I have been provided with priceless guidance and research funding. I am now a McNair Peer mentor who assists the new McNair scholars in communicating with professors, working in labs, and conducting research. Additionally, Joining my university’s Environmental Leaders program provided me with personal and professional connections that I still cherish. Today, I am a teacher’s assistant for the 2024-2025 freshmen in the Environmental Leaders class. I provide guidance to new students inside and outside of the classroom by hosting educational workshops and assisting students during office hours. Throughout my career, I plan to incorporate community service by engaging with communities like the ones I grew up in. I hope to advocate for marginalized students to work towards their dreams in STEM while using my research to empower marginalized communities and tackle environmental injustice.

. Growing up, I moved from place to place with my family and saw the impact that climate change had on both the communities and local ecosystems around me. It was clear that wealthier communities experienced easy access to green space and infrastructure to handle their waste, while lower-income communities were not given these same opportunities. At the time, I didn’t have the language or understanding to know that this was environmental injustice, it was simply a fact of life I observed. I now know these disparities are environmental injustices. As someone who never backs down from a challenge, I knew I had to make a difference. These early experiences, combined with my passion for science, have driven me to pursue a career where I can bridge research and advocacy to address climate change and environmental injustice. I am studying Environmental Science and Science Communication at the University of Oregon. My career goal is to work as an environmental scientist for the Environmental Protection Agency, researching climate change, biogeochemical cycles, and global ecology. To reach this goal, I plan on attaining a Ph.D in environmental science to deepen my understanding of climate and ecosystem science while gaining the research training necessary to develop real-world solutions to environmental challenges. My research interests have been shaped by my coursework and hands-on experience within laboratory settings. During my time at the University of Oregon, I have sought out a variety of research experiences to explore my interests and build expertise. I have worked as a research assistant in three labs on projects studying plant species coexistence, carbon sequestration in soil aggregates, and toxic metal release from soils impacted by wildfires. My most impactful research experience occurred in the Hallett lab. Currently, I am leading an independent project in Dr. Lauren Hallett’s lab, studying how the symbiosis between plants and mycorrhizal fungi is changed by neighboring nitrogen-fixing plants and rainfall. I hypothesized that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization in plant roots could also change with plant density and water level. Over the summer and past year, I have been collecting data by quantifying fungi colonization through microscope work and analyzing it in R Studio. The research I conducted over the summer was funded through the McNair program, ​​a federal TRIO program dedicated to helping first-generation and low-income students pursue a PhD. At the end of the summer, I presented my preliminary results at the National McNair Research Conference at the University of California Los Angeles. I look forward to publishing my findings in my university’s science journal, presenting my official results at the University of Oregon Research Symposium, and continuing my research on fungi at Cornell’s Boyce Thomas Institute this upcoming summer. As a young Black woman in STEM, I have navigated spaces where people like me are underrepresented, but I refuse to let those barriers define my journey. Instead, I seek to give back to the communities that have supported me the most. With the support of the McNair program, the dream of earning a Ph.D now feels tangible. I am now a McNair Peer mentor who assists new scholars in communicating with professors and conducting research. I aspire to help other students realize that their dreams are tangible too. Despite my successes, unfortunate financial burdens have struck my family, leaving us without the means to pay for college or take out loans. Without financial support, my ability to continue my education and my mission to uplift others is at risk. By receiving this scholarship, I would be able to continue my career aspirations.

As a young girl, moving with my family from place to place, I noticed two different worlds. When I lived in nicer, wealthier communities, there was easy access to green spaces, better infrastructure to handle waste and cleaner sidewalks. It was clear that our well-being was prioritized. When exposed to poorer communities, often dominated by people of color (POC), there were hardly any green spaces and no infrastructure or services to keep the surrounding areas clean. At the time, I didn’t have the language or understanding to know that this was environmental injustice, it was simply a fact of life I observed. Taking classes in environmental justice and Indigenous sovereignty gave me the vocabulary to describe my experiences and taught me about the intersection between racism and climate change. Outside of my courses, I interned with two POC-focused programs: Beyond Toxics, a non-profit dedicated to creating environmental justice within Oregon, and Just Futures, an organization focused on water justice and anti-racism. These were very impactful experiences, as I saw firsthand the challenges marginalized people face for their basic rights like access to water or clean air. It highlighted for me that climate change is a societal issue as much as it is an ecological issue. I strive to become an environmental leader in science and social justice. As someone who never backs down from a challenge, I knew I had to make a difference; climate change is looming but I refuse to believe we are doomed. I lead with my strong abilities to form community with others, promote understanding, and communicate through science. I have various leadership experience, including formal leadership positions such as a teaching assistant and as a community member of my university’s Student Sustainability Center (SSC) program. Through my work, I aim to empower those around me and highlight the experiences of communities that often go unnoticed. My career goal is to work as an environmental scientist for the Environmental Protection Agency, researching climate change and global ecology. I plan on attaining a Ph.D in environmental science to deepen my understanding of climate and ecosystem science while gaining the research training necessary to develop real-world solutions to environmental challenges. My interest in ecology grew through my work in Dr. Lauren Hallett’s lab. I started in Dr. Hallett’s lab working with a graduate student on their research project investigating plant interactions under different plant densities, water levels, and with different soil microbial communities. I took notice of a new research direction; while we were measuring plant responses, I hypothesized that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization in plant roots could also be changing with plant density and water level. I planned an ambitious project that was funded by the McNair program, a TRIO federally funded program dedicated to helping low income students prepare for graduate school, that included detailed root collection, staining, and sampling from plants in all treatments. However, my participation in the McNair program, required me to work within a ten-week time frame. I tested methods for the first few weeks of my project and realized that there were too many samples to complete in the allotted time frame, while also preparing a manuscript draft for the program. I decided to scale back my research and focus on the most important treatment comparisons to answer my research question successfully. I experienced another setback when a lens on the shared microscope I was using was damaged. I learned that the initial way that I was using the microscope could have caused the damage. I took ownership of my actions and promptly followed up with the microscope owner to be retrained before continuing to use the equipment to be a good steward of communal resources. This project was the first time in my college career that I was in charge of such a large undertaking and these setbacks left me intimidated. By seeking guidance from mentors, adjusting plans to feasibly meet the program goals, and taking responsibility for my actions, I was able to successfully complete the project and prepare a manuscript draft over the summer. Additionally, I presented my preliminary results at the National McNair Research Conference at UCLA. I look forward to publishing my findings in my university’s science journal and presenting my official results at the University of Oregon Research Symposium. Next summer, I will be conducting similar research at Cornell’s Boyce Thompson Institute, expanding my understanding of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and its ability to help plants tackle climate change. As a young Black woman in STEM, I understand the barriers that exist for people of color such as myself. This is why I seek to give back to the communities that have supported me the most. With the support of the McNair program, the dream of earning a Ph.D now feels tangible. To give back, I am now a McNair Peer mentor who assists the new McNair scholars in communicating with professors and conducting research. I aspire to help other students realize that their dreams are tangible too. Additionally, I am a climate advocate, working with the Oregon OurClimate program. I speak with legislators on the importance of bills supporting climate education and fossil fuel divestment bills within Oregon. I plan to bring awareness of these bills to students on my campus, hopefully inspiring my fellow students to advocate for a greener, fossil-free future. Despite my successes, unfortunate financial burdens have struck my family, leaving us without the means to pay for college or take out loans. Without financial support, my ability to continue my education and my mission to uplift others is at risk. Balancing financial instability with academic success has been one of my greatest challenges. As a low-income student who is financially independent, I have juggled multiple jobs to cover expenses while keeping up with my rigorous STEM course load. The pressure often felt intimidating, however, rather than allowing these obstacles to deter me, I have met them with determination. By receiving this scholarship, my financial burdens would be uplifted and in turn I could focus my efforts on climate advocacy, research, and furthering my work in environmental justice. Thank you for the opportunity this scholarship provides to students such as myself.

Hello, I am Tetianna Smith-Drysdale. A junior at University of Oregon studying environmental science and science communication. Growing up with a single immigrant mother, my childhood experiences of witnessing social and environmental injustice have inspired my career goal to work as a scientist for the Environmental Protection Agency, researching climate change and the disproportionate impacts it has had as marginalized groups. To reach this goal, I plan on attaining a Ph.D in to gain the research training and skills to develop real-world solutions. Through my participation in the McNair program, a program dedicated to helping low-income students enter graduate school, I received summer funding for my research in the Hallett Lab. I planned an ambitious project that focused on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and its role in helping plants stay resilient in climate change. This experience has taught me how to balance research curiosity with practical limitations and adapt to challenges, both valuable skills I will carry throughout my career. At the end of the summer, I presented my preliminary results at the National McNair Research Conference at UCLA. I look forward to publishing my findings in my university’s science journal and presenting my official results at the University of Oregon Research Symposium. Next summer, I will be conducting similar research at Cornell’s Boyce Thompson Institute, expanding my understanding of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and its ability to help plants tackle climate change. As a young Black woman in STEM, I understand the barriers that exist for people of color such as myself. This is why I seek to give back to the communities that have supported me the most. With the support of the McNair program, the dream of earning a Ph.D now feels tangible. To give back, I am now a McNair Peer mentor who assists the new McNair scholars in communicating with professors and conducting research. I aspire to help other students realize that their dreams are tangible too. I have also been a member of the University of Oregon’s Environmental Leaders program. Professor Stephanie LeManager, a professor who taught environmental justice classes in this program, nominated me for a fellowship that led to me working with law professor Alai Reyes Santos. We advocated for water justice within indigenous communities. I spoke with these communities and integrated their experiences in my writing;which later became published. Hopefully bringing light to water injustice. Today, I am a teacher’s assistant for the 2024-2025 freshmen in the Environmental Leaders class. I seek to provide the very same inspirational guidance my professors did freshman year to the new students. Additionally, I am a climate advocate, working with the Oregon OurClimate program. I speak with legislators on the importance of bills supporting climate education and fossil fuel divestment bills within Oregon. I plan to bring awareness of these bills to students on my campus, hopefully inspiring my fellow students to advocate for a greener, fossil-free future. One of the biggest barriers I’ve faced in my educational journey is financial instability. Independently supporting myself through college on a limited income while balancing rigorous coursework has been a constant challenge. Despite this, I have remained committed to my academic goals by seeking scholarships, budgeting carefully, and taking advantage of every academic resource whenever possible. Receiving this scholarship will allow me the opportunity to continue to persist in pursuing my goals, as I am determined to succeed in my undergraduate career, graduate school, and uplift others facing similar obstacles. I would be forever grateful if the Kumar Family scholarship serve as a crucial stepping stone towards my dream of uplifting marginalized communities. Thank you.

Hello, I am Tetianna Smith-Drysdale. A junior at University of Oregon studying environmental science and science communication. As a young girl living in communities lacking access to green spaces and infrastructure to contain waste, I noticed its stark contrast to wealthier, greener communities. At the time, I didn’t have the language or understanding to know that this was environmental injustice, it was simply a fact of life I observed. Living in these stark conditions led to years battling depression, intrusive thoughts, and social anxiety. I lived in communities where not much was expected of me and for a brief moment I believed those dark, intrusive thoughts. I took the extra effort to spend time outdoors in forest, parks, and near lakes. Observing natural ecosystems and learning how they are deteriorating amongst climate change is what motivated me to study environmental science. My career goal is to work as an environmental scientist for the Environmental Protection Agency, researching climate change and global ecology. I plan on attaining a Ph.D in environmental science to deepen my understanding of climate and ecosystem science while gaining the research training necessary to develop real-world solutions to environmental challenges. My interest in ecology grew through my work in Dr. Lauren Hallett’s lab, where I study arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which help plants survive drought and obtain nutrients. With funding from the TRIO McNair program, I began my research this past summer, hypothesizing that AMF colonization varies with plant density and water levels. I presented my preliminary results at the National McNair Research Conference at UCLA, and I look forward to publishing my findings. Additionally, as a fellow of OurClimate, a program that trains youth to be environmental advocates, I advocate for climate education, fossil fuel divestment, and environmental justice within Oregon. I speak with legislators on the importance of passing bills that support equitable and sustainable communities. I dream that my advocacy will lead to a world where young girls and boys of color get to experience grass that is just as green and parks that are as equally pristine. These early experiences, combined with my passion for science, have driven me to pursue a career where I can bridge research and advocacy to address climate change and environmental injustice. While I hope to use my career as an environmental scientist to create equitable solutions, I recognize that science alone cannot solve these systemic issues;policy reform is a crucial step to addressing environmental injustice. I have remained persistent in pursuing my goals, determined to succeed in my undergraduate career, graduate school, and uplift others facing similar obstacles. I look forward to using my skills in research, environmental advocacy, and science communication to make a lasting impact within my field and within the communities I grew up in. As a young Black woman in environmental science, I understand the barriers that exist for people of color such as myself. I am committed to using my voice to ensure that communities like mine are not only heard but empowered. I dream of a world where every child, regardless of their zip code, can experience pristine parks, clean air, and environmental safety. Through research, advocacy, and policy engagement, I will continue working toward that reality.