Mariela is a PhD student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she studies how plant roots weather minerals, a central role in the soil carbon cycle important for fighting climate change and improving plant nutrient dynamics for agriculture. She has volunteered with Eagle Eye Institute since 2018, teaching and connecting students to the amazing world of soils!

Raised in Chicago, IL, and Fort Worth, TX, by Mexican immigrant parents, Mariela knows firsthand the importance of being able to find connection and solace through nature as a young person growing up in the city. Mariela is passionate about environmental justice, climate change resilience, food systems, and soil health – topics she pursued throughout her B.S. at Cornell University where she worked on applied research projects. She hopes to continue doing this kind of work as a conservation professional in the future.

Mariela is excited to continue strengthening the connections between UMass and Eagle Eye and looks forward to helping the institute in its mission as it continues to grow and connect youth to the outdoors.