Fnu Anshika, a PhD student in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Houston. Her research investigates phthalates, semi-volatile organic compounds added to plastics for flexibility and durability, and their distribution in settled dust across Houston, one of the nation's largest petrochemical hubs. By sampling sites near industrial corridors and urban centers, she aims to understand how proximity to petrochemical infrastructure shapes phthalate exposure in surrounding communities. This work matters deeply: phthalates are endocrine disruptors linked to developmental and reproductive health effects, and resuspended dust is a direct pathway for human exposure. This scholarship will fund the sampling and analysis needed to complete this pilot study, a critical step toward her dissertation.

Sandra Patricia Rosero Rueda is a Colombian geophysicist and Ph.D. candidate at Baylor University. Her research focuses on the tectonic structure and seismic activity of the northeastern Caribbean, including Hispaniola, the Mona Passage, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She uses local and teleseismic earthquake data to develop three-dimensional seismic velocity models of the region. Her work investigates the complex interactions among tectonic plates, with particular interest in deep earthquakes beneath eastern Hispaniola. By imaging structures beneath the surface, she aims to improve our understanding of the region’s tectonic evolution and its implications for seismic hazards in Caribbean communities. Before attending Baylor, Sandra earned her master’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and worked as a geophysical data analyst at the Puerto Rico Seismic Network. She also enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking and tennis, and is passionate about encouraging students to pursue graduate education in STEM.