Cohort Level: Cohort - III

Career Goal: I would like to pursue a career that focuses on the social implications of extreme weather events. I would like to be employed by NOAA or the local or federal government. Though my background is in Environmental Engineering and Remote Sensing, I believe that I can do more for society through outreach and education. The impacts of environmental justice are very much social impacts. I would also like to extend my services to schools and encourage students from low income/minority backgrounds to further their own education.

Expected Graduation Date: May 31, 2021

Degree: M.S Earth System Science and Environmental Engineering

Research Title: Analyzing the climate and human impact of cash crops on select California watersheds

Research Synopsis: Since 2000, the state of California has consistently led the way as the nation’s top agricultural exporter in a diverse range of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. In 2017, the state’s farms and ranches produced $50.13 billion in agricultural output, of which $37 billion accounts for the top 20 crop and livestock commodities. California is also the nation’s sole exporter of several agricultural commodities such as almonds, grapes, pistachios, and walnuts. The state also produces 51% of the U.S. citrus production. However, California’s climate is highly variable and is susceptible to extreme weather events. Seasonal precipitation occurs during the cool, wet months of October-April, as opposed to the dry season in the summer. Variability increases spatially, in which the driest regions of California can receive less than 5 inches of precipitation in a given year. It is increasingly important to understand how the water supply will impact California's major agricultural stakeholders and what can be done to improve water management. Roughly 40% to 60% of the state’s water supply is used by the agricultural sector, and so other water consumers and users will be impacted by any signs of water scarcity. To understand the climate and human impact of California’s cash-crops on its watershed, water policies and water use will be explored.

Fall 2020: I joined the prediction team for Dr. Indrani Pal's California Water Data Challenge and learned key components of running Neural Networks for streamflow analysis.