When first generation college student Juliana Guerra arrived at the University of Maryland, she didn’t have the self-belief to become a scientist, conducting research to solve pressing global challenges. All of that changed after immersing herself in the wide-ranging benefits of her Maryland Promise Scholarship (MPP), a full academic ride that helped her cultivate academic excellence, professional development, leadership development and community engagement.
During her four years in AGNR, MPP gave her the confidence to excel. She dove head first into volunteer activities, became active across campus with her undergraduate research lab, attended conferences with premiere scientists, and advocated for breast cancer awareness.
When it came time to graduate, she had all the tools she needed to make the jump to graduate school in pursuit of a career as a research scientist.
“Besides the relief of financial support, MPP gave me the tools and training to excel beyond the University of Maryland,” said Juliana. “These skills have allowed me to confidently lead my first graduate project and helped push me out of my comfort zone.”
Now, Juliana is enrolled in a Ph.D program in environmental sciences at the University of California, Riverside, where she is researching urban methane emissions with an active project centered in Los Angeles. There, she has taken courses, presented her research at a local conference, become a mentor for a university scholars program, and worked as a teaching assistant.
She has sound advice to offer current scholarship recipients on how to make the most of their educational opportunities and financial support.
“Mindfully say yes to any opportunities you can, you never know what might happen. By being open to trying new things, you may figure out your path. Reflecting on her positive experience with AGNR and MPP, she plans to give back in support of future AGNR students when the time is right.
“I would love the opportunity to provide mentorship support to AGNR students in the future. Additionally, I would be honored to volunteer on a career talk panel. I hope that eventually I can donate to AGNR and support students who, like me, are first generation college students with a passion for the environment.”
