In the first quarter of my project, “Understanding and Alleviating Environmental Inequality in Underprivileged Communities,” I was able to explore different facets of the fight for environmental justice while contributing to the efforts in my local community.

There’s an introspection that occurs when you write and discover things about your past that start to combine into a complex tapestry of trauma, pain, but also humor and light.

The Distinguished Alumni Award (DAA) is Caltech's highest honor, presented each year to a small number of alumni in recognition of personal and professional accomplishments that have made a noteworthy impact in a field, on the community, or in society more broadly.