Diana Velazquez, a fourth-year PhD student, exemplifies the integration of cultural heritage with scientific pursuit. Raised in Chicago by parents who immigrated from Oaxaca, Mexico, Velazquez’s journey is a blend of deep-rooted tradition and academic excellence.
Velazquez’s passion for environmental science stems from her family’s farming background, both in Chicago and Oaxaca.
“Growing up in Mexico, my parents worked in their respective family farms,” Velazquez shares. “When they moved to Chicago, they continued to express their love for nature by maintaining a garden on the small plot of land outside of our apartment complex. Since I can remember, I would help my parents water their plants, weed the garden, and harvest the vegetables. I was also able to witness my family's strong connection to nature whenever I would visit my family in Oaxaca. My grandpa actively continues to grow corn, peanuts, and sweet potatoes in Oaxaca.”
Her interest in chemistry started her passion for science. After being formally introduced to environmental science in high school, she knew she wanted to pursue her interest in the environment and chemistry as a career.
After high school, Velazquez earned a bachelor's degree in environmental science from Northwestern University, and later started her PhD program at EARTH. However, her path hasn’t been without challenges.
“Even though my family is a big source of support, I have found it challenging to express my scientific research to my parents in their native Spanish tongue. At U-M, I have been able to find a strong Latinx support system through SACNAS. Despite our diverse research interests, all SACNAS members are united under shared identities, experiences, and a mission to enhance the representation of underrepresented minorities in STEM fields.”
However, Velazquez found community support through U-M’s SACNAS Chapter, where she served as president. This involvement deepened her connection to her roots and provided a supportive network.
“Through SACNAS, I have been able to grow closer to my Mexican roots, learn and appreciate other Latinx cultures, and develop a sense of community that I know will follow me throughout my professional and personal journey. I also want to give a shoutout to all my Latinx friends in the department and faculty who bring me a sense of home whenever we speak in Spanish!”
Co-advised by Nathan Sheldon and Jenan Kharbush, Velazquez focuses her research on sedimentary organic matter in lake environments. Studying carbon and nitrogen cycling in low-oxygen areas, particularly in the Middle Island Sinkhole of Lake Huron, her work utilizes stable isotopes and biomarkers, and involves adventurous fieldwork, including collaborations with NOAA divers.
Though stating she has great mentors in her field, she has noted a lack of representation of people from her community and the difficulties it provides.
“As a Latina in the field, I have found the lack of representation in the environmental sciences to be challenging,” Velazquez said. “In general, pursuing a PhD can be difficult and isolating. But, I think it can be even more isolating when you do not have role models who you can share your unique professional and personal struggles with.”
Velazquez aims to be a role model for people who may go through the same thing in the future. After completing her PhD, she plans to pursue a career in academia, aspiring to mentor the next generation of scientists, just as her mentors inspired and supported her.