Alexandra is a master’s student in the M.S. Biology program at California State University, Bakersfield, where she also earned her B.S. in Biology. She is a thesis-track student investigating microplastic pollution in aquatic environments and animals. Alexandra is a teaching associate for the Biology Department and mentor for undergraduate students in her research lab. She is an advocate for science accessibility and communication and frequently presents her research on campus, in the community, and as a CSUB representative at regional and international research conferences. Alexandra plans to continue to develop her research and teaching skills in a Ph.D. program, with the goal of becoming a research professor. As a black and Hispanic woman with a disability, she is underrepresented in aquatic sciences and hopes to foster a more diverse and inclusive environment for research and learning.