Assistant Professor, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , Houston, TX, USA

AGU embraces the global community and welcomes leaders representing various identities, voices, and perspectives. List any identities, voices, and perspectives you would bring, including but not limited to nationality, regional representations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and anything else you feel comfortable sharing.

As an Asian female researcher who moved to the U.S. to pursue education in atmospheric sciences, I bring a unique international perspective to AGU. My transition to public health during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed me to apply atmospheric research methods, such as remote sensing, to study the impacts of air pollution and climate change on health. My work focuses on leveraging satellite remote sensing and machine learning techniques to assess environmental determinants of health, particularly for vulnerable populations. I collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop solutions addressing health risks associated with environmental pollution, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

I am committed to health equity and environmental justice, emphasizing community engagement and improving climate resilience and air quality in under-resourced communities. I work with local governments and nongovernmental organizations to implement sustainable practices and educate communities about air quality risks. As a female researcher in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), I advocate for gender diversity and inclusivity, mentoring young women and underrepresented minorities. I also participate in outreach programs to raise awareness about environmental health issues among these communities. My diverse experiences enable me to contribute valuable perspectives to AGU, promoting diversity, equity, and interdisciplinary collaboration to understand and address global environmental and health issues.

Volunteer experience that relates to this position:

Since joining AGU in 2016, I've served as an Outstanding Student Paper Awards judge, proposed and hosted meeting sessions, and co-chaired the GeoHealth Early Career Researcher (ECR) Committee. I co-led a diverse group to expand Committee membership fourfold, organized monthly meetings, quarterly webinars, and annual GeoHealth ECR events, and supported Fall Meeting preparations. I also volunteered as an Associate Editor of the AGU GeoHealth journal and reviewer for several AGU publications to disseminate research findings.

The student and early career voices on the Council are critical to the future of Earth and space sciences. Describe a time when you used your voice to inspire others to advance a cause, mission, or goal.

When I was a postdoctoral researcher, I served on the GeoHealth panel for the "Ask a Postdoc" session, where I shared my experiences about postdoctoral life with a diverse audience. This role allowed me to assist aspiring Ph.D. students through the complexities of postdoctoral responsibilities and opportunities, encouraging them to pursue their own research with enthusiasm and thoughtful planning. Later, as a faculty member, I co-led the GeoHealth Early Career Researcher Committee to host a webinar on the faculty job search process. We invited three new assistant professors from science, engineering, and health disciplines to share their experiences in securing faculty positions. This webinar attracted a broad audience from different countries, offering valuable perspectives on navigating the academic job market effectively. The success of this webinar highlighted the need for continued support and resources for early career scientists and improved their visibility and impact within the AGU community. These efforts align with the AGU Council’s role in advising on science and membership issues and generating ideas to strengthen AGU activities as science evolves. My commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment supports AGU’s strategic goals of catalyzing discovery, promoting an inclusive scientific culture, and partnering broadly to address scientific and societal challenges. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong understanding of the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and creating opportunities for professional growth, all of which are essential for advancing the mission of AGU and supporting the next generation of scientists.

Section affiliations:

Atmospheric Sciences; GeoHealth