If you had asked freshman Diana Jimenez where her college journey would lead her, she probably would have said an internship with a local nonprofit, supporting her community as part of her studies as a social work major. But, four years later, Jimenez instead found herself in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, applying her studies as an Earth-space science major to investigate surface and groundwater contamination in the area.
It all started in her sophomore year when Jimenez enrolled in an introductory Earth-space science course. Although the course was only meant to fulfill her general science requirement, it ended up igniting her passion for environmental science and justice, setting her on a new academic and professional trajectory.
Jimenez quickly found her place within the Department of Physics & Earth-Space Science, building strong relationships with her professors. Assistant Professor Dr. Nick Soltis, aware of her passion for environmental justice, encouraged her to explore opportunities beyond the classroom. When he learned about a geohazard research project in Guatemala, Jimenez was the first student he thought of. She applied and was accepted, but due to political unrest, the project was canceled.
Undeterred, Jimenez sought other opportunities.
“After the Guatemala trip was canceled, I researched other opportunities,” explained Jimenez. “I found the National Science Foundation’s website and applied for the Research Experience for Undergraduates Program. The application process was a little intimidating at first because I hadn’t taken many science classes, but thankfully the application allowed me to explain why.”
Jimenez leaned on her support network, including Dr. Soltis and Rebecca Franks, her career coach at the Stephen F. Fry Professional Edge Center. Franks helped Diana refine the essays required for her application. After submitting her materials, Diana waited eagerly for a response.
Out of over 300 applicants, Jimenez was one of eight students selected for the program.
“I told my sister as soon as I got the email. I just ran up to her room,” recalled Jimenez. “It was amazing. I was surprised and so happy.”
That summer, Jimenez traveled to Northern Illinois University, where she spent two weeks connecting with faculty mentors, researching her selected project, receiving training in field and laboratory methods, and developing research proposals. Then, Jimenez spent the next four weeks in Mexico, conducting her research. The students were also separated into groups based on their areas of interest. Jimenez chose to join the inorganic chemistry group and investigate heavy metals in the groundwater in Mexico.
“There’s a lot of construction in the area due to tourism, especially with the addition of the Mayan train that was just installed within the last six months,” explained Jimenez. “Our field sites were within that path. So, I wanted to see if any construction due to the train or nearby urbanization has leeched any metals into the groundwater… and I found more than I thought I would.”
Beyond research, Jimenez experienced Mexico’s culture in new ways. While she had visited family in the area before, this trip offered unique experiences.
“I went snorkeling for the first time,” said Jimenez. “I got to see the Mesoamerican Reef, which is the largest coral reef system in Latin America. It was beautiful.”
This transformative experience gave Jimenez the confidence she had been missing. Changing majors halfway through college had been a weighty decision, but now, she is certain it was the right one.
“This trip made me feel like I do belong in the sciences,” said Jimenez. “Sometimes it feels isolating being the only Latina in my geoscience classes, but on this trip, I worked alongside other Latinas, and it was a heartwarming experience to be able to do the science with people who have lived through similar experiences as me.”
With this newfound sense of confidence, Jimenez is busy planning for life after graduation. After she graduates with her bachelor’s in Earth-space science, with an Honors concentration, this May, she plans to pursue her master’s degree.
“I was debating on whether or not to go straight into graduate school,” said Jimenez. “But this experience solidified that I do want to continue doing research, especially in the field of geochemistry as well as do interdisciplinary work and relating it to environmental justice.”
Later this month, Jimenez will have another opportunity to contribute to environmental justice. She recently learned that the canceled Guatemala project is back on and will take place over Winter Break!
