Pronouns: She/Her
Year: 2026
Major(s): Environmental Studies
Minor(s): Economics; Spanish
What is your project about? I will be researching how to convert underutilized parcels of land in the city of Santa Clara into green spaces. I seek to identify which areas would benefit most from sustainable landscaping/increased tree canopy, and create recommendations based on my findings. I hope to create a roadmap that will enhance the presence of green spaces in urban areas so as to make their environmental and cultural benefits more accessible to marginalized communities.
How will this fellowship support you in your future scholarship/career goals? A fervent believer that research belongs to the community, I am enthusiastic about engaging in applied research that explores the economics of nature-based solutions in Santa Clara. This fellowship will help me develop as a researcher, enabling me to better study equity, ecology, and sustainability. By supporting the city’s Climate Action Plan, I will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that create sustainable cities.
What extra/co-curricular activities are you involved in on campus? On campus, I am a Community Facilitator in Sobrato Hall/Loyola RLC, a Research Assistant, and an occasional contributor to The Santa Clara. I was previously a Jean Donovan Fellow in the Ignatian Center.
Other passions, hobbies, fun facts, or anything else you want to share: My top three garden tasks are setting up irrigation lines, building trellises, and weeding. I also enjoy geography trivia, good books, and nice hikes!