Carolina Mendoza (She/Her) | Research Assistant 2022-2023 
Project: Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples: Narrative Analysis
Major: Environmental Science & Policy and Urban Studies
Through my degree I hope to gain a better understanding of the relationship between urban areas, policies, and the environment to then apply that knowledge in my career.
Why the Blum Center? I am interested in working with the Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation because of my upbringing. I come from a low-income family and grew up in a neighborhood that faces many economic, social, political, and cultural issues. I often felt discouraged because of the lack of opportunities available.
Why this project? As a first-generation student who has dealt with some degree of environmental injustice, I hope to bring more awareness and action to the environmental justice field through Dr. Richard Matthew’s project on Indigenous peoples and climate change. I have been involved with the environmental justice sector through various non-profit organizations since my high school education. Internships, work experience, and volunteer opportunities have influenced my view on the importance of including individuals from diverse backgrounds in programs, policies, and laws, especially those whose opinions are oftentimes ignored.
What’s next? After my undergraduate experience, I will attend graduate school where I will receive my master’s degree in the environmental studies sector and eventually return to graduate school for my Ph.D.