Graduate Research Assistant / Ph.D. Candidate, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 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.

I am a Hispanic woman who believes in the power of diverse perspectives to drive meaningful change. My journey with chronic pain and chronic illness has equipped me with resilience and empathy, allowing me to connect deeply with others facing similar challenges. I cherish the idea of balance in life, finding peace and creativity through my hobbies such as pottery and hiking. These activities not only rejuvenate me but also inspire innovative approaches to problem-solving and community building. As a loving partner and a supportive sister, I understand the value of strong, nurturing relationships. These roles have taught me the importance of compassion, communication, and collaborative spirit, qualities that I bring to every professional and personal interaction. My experiences and identities shape my holistic worldview, making me keenly aware of the intersectionality that exists within our community. In representing a range of identities and experiences, I am committed to advocating for inclusivity and equity in all spheres. My unique blend of personal and professional experiences enables me to voice diverse perspectives, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment. I am excited to contribute these varied insights to AGU, reinforcing its mission to embrace the global community and champion inclusive leadership.

Volunteer experience that relates to this position:

As President of the Graduate and Undergraduate Student Organization, Curriculum committee member, and mentor for two years, I’ve deepened my commitment to academia and community engagement. Through these roles, I’ve honed skills in advocacy, diversity, and curriculum development, effectively communicating student needs and organizing enriching events. These experiences have prepared me to be an impactful early career representative on the AGU Council, dedicated to advancing student interests and fostering an inclusive academic environment.

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.

In my role as the President of the Graduate and Undergraduate Student Organization (GUStO), I have had the opportunity to use my voice to advocate for students facing challenging relationships with their advisors. My passion for this cause stemmed from my own experience with a difficult advisor relationship, which left me feeling overwhelmed and doubting my place in academia. Imposter syndrome compounded my struggles, making it even more challenging to seek help and find my footing as a graduate student. With the support of my department community and guidance from mentors, I navigated these difficult conversations and ultimately emerged stronger. Recognizing the importance of a supportive environment, I decided to use my leadership position to create a safe space for other students to discuss advisor relationships and access resources to address their concerns. I organized informal gatherings and led town halls where students could share their experiences, seek advice, and learn about the steps to take when facing difficulties with advisors. These efforts have fostered a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere within our department. Students now feel more empowered to voice their concerns and seek help. Additionally, our department has taken proactive measures to improve advisor-student relationships, emphasizing early and honest communication of expectations. My experience aligns with AGU's strategic goals of advancing inclusion and addressing the well-being of its members. As a student and early career member, I am committed to furthering these principles within the broader Earth and space sciences community.

Section affiliations:

Atmospheric Sciences; Cryosphere Sciences; Earth and Planetary Surface Processes; Planetary Sciences