She says researching at the University of Illinois has been incredibly rewarding. “The resources and support available at CIRI have been invaluable in advancing my research. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with talented researchers and learn from their expertise, which has greatly enriched my understanding of resilience and infrastructure.” 

Where are you from and what are you currently researching at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign?

I am from Houston, Texas and I am currently researching Resilience, Infrastructure, and Natural Disasters at the University of Illinois. My work focuses on understanding how to build stronger infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters and improve community resilience in the face of such events. Bringing more awareness to the youths throughout the nation. 

What attracted you to apply for the Summer Research Team Program for Minority Serving Institutions?

I was attracted to the Summer Research Team Program for Minority Serving Institutions because it offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful research that can have a real-world impact. The chance to work with leading experts in the field of resilience and infrastructure at the University of Illinois was a major draw. Additionally, the program's commitment to supporting minority students in STEM fields aligns with my own goals of contributing to a more diverse and inclusive scientific community. I love the deep dives into a project. Researching is very fulfilling for me. I absolutely love understanding, the know- how, getting to the nitty-gritty of things. The who, what, where, when, why, and how, is truly important in researching and analyzing. 

Describe how your experience has been thus far conducting research with CIRI at U. of I.

So far, my experience researching with the University of Illinois at CIRI has been incredibly rewarding. The campus itself is beautiful and inspiring, making it a pleasure to walk around and explore. The resources and support available at CIRI have been invaluable in advancing my research. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with talented researchers and learn from their expertise, which has greatly enriched my understanding of resilience and infrastructure. I love the team of people I am aligned with. 

 

How will or has this opportunity impacted your professional growth? 

This opportunity has had a significant impact on my professional growth. It has provided me with hands-on experience in conducting high-level research and has expanded my network of professional contacts. The skills and knowledge I have gained here will be instrumental in my future career, whether in academia, industry, or public policy. Additionally, this experience has reinforced my passion for making a positive difference through research and has inspired me to continue pursuing opportunities that align with this goal because I absolutely love researching. 

What do you enjoy outside of your research (movies, TV shows, art, hobbies, etc.)?