色情视频

Linda Lara-Jacobo, 色情视频 Imperial Valley associate professor of public health, joined other female scientists from around the globe on a trip to Antarctica to collaborate on climate-related research.

Lara was among 71 female researchers from around the world selected to go to the southernmost continent in November 2023 as part of the Homeward Bound Project, a global leadership initiative aimed at creating a community of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and advocating for more diversity in STEM-related fields.

鈥淚 always felt like I wanted to contribute good, valuable work to science and do good in my community,鈥� said Lara-Jacobo. 鈥淚 especially focus on environmental and public health, where I get to work with communities that have been impacted by diseases or environmental changes caused by human activity. Having the opportunity to immerse myself in environmental justice and climate change issues and learn more with other women in STEM in Antarctica was extremely meaningful and moving.鈥�

Applying and getting to Antarctica was a yearlong process involving various interviews and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training, said Lara. The competitive program gathered scientists and researchers from different backgrounds and fields, all with the goal of bringing their expertise together to collaborate and brainstorm on climate change and environmental issues. 

The voyage to Antarctica began with a long flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina. A rigorous boat trip through aggressive ocean waves to the ice-laden landscape, she said, was simply captivating. 

鈥淲e did not imagine the amount of physical and psychological readiness we had to prepare beforehand,鈥� said Lara. 鈥淥nce you see the immensity of the glaciers and the scenery, you remember how small you can be before mother nature. You see firsthand the damage that human beings have done to the environment.鈥�

Once there, she joined other Latin American researchers and formed a group called Cuarteto Ant谩rtico, or Antarctic Quartet, to network and collaborate on research projects. 

Though the group鈥檚 time in Antarctica has ended, their research continues; they鈥檙e working on publications around feminist activism, environmental justice and women鈥檚 rights in science diplomacy in Antarctica. 

Lara-Jacobo is also collaborating with United Kingdom-based scientists to expand public health research around toxic waste and how to track diseases. 

鈥淲e were all together in a boat for a month, but we were all there for one goal: to make a global impact around climate change and take that same power and knowledge to our own communities,鈥� said Lara. 鈥淲e had to identify our own leadership styles and acknowledge our very own privilege. There鈥檚 so much work that needs to be done.鈥�

Fighting for climate change and environmental justice is not a linear process, Lara said. Despite the challenges, Lara-Jacobo believes bolstering a more inclusive environment within STEM in Imperial Valley will help further inspire female scientists and researchers from around the region to help their communities. 

鈥淚t鈥檚 common in our culture to dismiss our efforts, which may lead one to feel discouraged or like you鈥檙e not contributing enough to the field,鈥� said Lara. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been so empowering to work and live through this experience with many other women in STEM who are passionate about creating an impact in climate change.鈥�