I am a Ph.D.graduate in geography from the University of Florida. I have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Costa Rica and a master's degree in water sciences and engineering with a concentration in hydrology and water resources from IHE, Delft, in the Netherlands.
I discovered a passion for water resources and hydraulic engineering during my bachelor's degree. The physical principles and equations just flowed in my head. This is when I knew that my career would revolve around water and its role in shaping societies.
I also came to understand the impact that water has on communities and livelihoods through volunteer work with the NGO Techo. While working with vulnerable communities in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica, I saw firsthand what families endured when banana plantation dams failed during extreme rainfall, washing away their homes and belongings.
Since then, I have been committed to working with communities to address water-related challenges and help them become more resilient to floods and extreme events. Recently, I served as a Community Science Fellow with AGU's Thriving Earth Exchange, collaborating with community leaders in Cicero, IL, to address chronic flooding issues.
My work bridges water science, community engagement, and science communication, bringing research into action for those most affected by climate and water extremes. I am currently seeking opportunities in applied water and climate resilience work, while also remaining open to postdoctoral research that advances community-driven solutions.