Juliana Guerra

What made you decide to enroll at the University of Maryland?
I decided to attend UMD because it has an amazing agricultural sciences program and various majors to choose from within my professional interests. Additionally, UMD is close to home!

What major/career path do you plan on pursuing and how did you select that path?
Over the summer, I completed an Undergraduate Research Experience program at UMD. Through this 10-week program, I conducted research on methane emissions from sewer and storm drain lines in College Park, Maryland. It was an extremely fulfilling experience because I was able to come up with my project, collected and analyzed data samples, and presented my findings through a poster ceremony at the end of the program. I also had two supportive mentors who guided and worked with me through this process. I was given the choice to continue working with them this semester, and I am so happy I get to do so. This opportunity allowed me to realize my capabilities, and that I can do research that is meaningful and can help my community. I plan to continue researching within the area of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.

Activities I do outside of class or community service/volunteer activities I'm involved with:
Besides my laboratory work, I am the president of La Familia. This organization is devoted to helping with the first-year retention of Latinx students at UMD through mentorship and academic support. This is my fourth year in the program, where I started as a mentee, became a mentor, and held the secretary position last year.

Aside from academics, what else do you hope to take away from your time at Maryland?
As this is my final year, I can say that I am already taking away so much more. I have made lots of friends and connections with people pursuing various degrees. Also, I have a lot of great memories, such as going to UMD field hockey games or watching movies at Hoff Theatre in the student union. One thing I hope to take away is to travel! I plan to join my laboratory at a conference in Chicago in December. Moreover, I am considering doing a travel abroad trip over the winter.

What are your future goals after graduation?
I plan to obtain a master's and Ph.D. I would like to continue researching areas about climate change issues in urban environments, including effective methods of adapting to its impacts or tracking greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, I would like to collaborate with city officials and planners to work toward climate change mitigation and adaptation within urban environments.

My favorite part of being a Maryland Promise Scholar:
My favorite part of MPP is having such a strong support system. I know that I can reach out to the coordinator if I am having any issues. As a member of the first cohort, I feel the need to support the other students in the program. However, I know that there are MPP scholars that are there for me, such as those in my cohort, and some in new cohorts. Additionally, all the MPP scholars are very kind and sweet, even if they are a little shy at first.