Adriana Molina-Garzón’s work has taken her to remote communities across the world, all with the goal of researching climate change and environmental issues in vulnerable communities. Each trip, she says, is a deeply moving experience.
“I have seen firsthand the challenges faced by local communities trying to balance precarious social conditions with conservation goals,” Molina-Garzón explains. “That’s why I am committed to promoting evidence-based policy solutions for sustainable development.”
Her research focuses on the conditions and arrangements that impact sustainable development in rural areas of low- and middle- income countries.
She says humanity’s future hinges on the relationship between society and natural resources, including how to help communities—especially marginalized communities—overcome barriers to addressing climate change through collaboration.
“Having a better understanding of the social dynamics that could help communities organize and sustainably manage their resources is fundamental in achieving the dual goal of promoting environmental protection and the well-being of vulnerable communities,” she says.
She hopes her research will help leaders and individuals find that balance through policy solutions and understand that both of those goals are possible, with the right partnerships and strategies.
To do that, she needs to reach the future policymakers and sustainability leaders—and she knows they’re at O’Neill.
“I wanted to be part of an organization where I could contribute to making the world a better place by supporting the education of the next generation of leaders and promoting their interest in public service,” Molina-Garzón says. “I firmly believe the O’Neill at IU Indianapolis is a great place to achieve this.”
That’s why she believes students who are also interested in making a difference can find their futures within O’Neill.
Why should students come to O’Neill?
“At the O’Neill School, the faculty team are committed to mentoring and supporting students to achieve their professional goals and shape their mission to serve the public through private, public and nonprofit organizations. Students will have an opportunity to learn from a team of excellent professionals with both high academic standards and true kindness, which makes O’Neill a nurturing and fun environment.”
What do you enjoy about working with students?
“Every semester I am amazed at the energy students have, their creativity when it comes to thinking about problems and solutions, as well as their commitment to environmental issues. While the classroom dynamic involves effort from all parties involved—teacher and students—to learn from one another, I believe that high motivation and hard work is contagious and inspiring. The students inspire me and push me to continue learning and finding new ways to help them learn too.”
What do you enjoy about teaching in the classroom?
“My teaching experience has taught me that teaching is an incredible opportunity to reinforce one’s own learning process. Through teaching, I can update my knowledge about a topic and challenge myself to stay up to date on the main topics of debate when it comes to sustainability issues. At the same time, it challenges me to stay unbiased and open to other points of view and opinions about the world, which also gives me the opportunity to learn from my students. There is nothing more gratifying than promoting discussions with them and learning from their life experiences, new perceptions of the world, and their vision of the world and how to solve the many challenging environmental issues we face as citizens of the world.”
