Ria Ghosh is a third year PhD student at the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside. Her research focuses on freshwater ecosystems and community dynamics in urban rivers. It integrates field and lab experiments and statistical analyses to understand the impacts of urbanization and community dynamics contributing to sustainable ecosystem conservation and management. During her academic career, I have authored two peer-reviewed research papers and a book chapter from my Master’s degree. She has actively disseminated her research findings at more than four conferences, presenting both posters and oral talks. Recognized for her contributions, she has successfully secured seven research grants enabling the advancement of her research on freshwater ecosystems and urban river dynamics during the PhD journey. She is committed to continuing her work in this field of freshwater ecology, striving to make meaningful contributions to both science and society through impactful research.