Ms. Ribera is an environmental science student with an interest in ecology, geology, entomology, and nature-society interactions. She presented at the 2019 UTRGV Engaged Scholar Symposium with her research about the environmental and societal effects of the border wall in the Rio Grande Valley, which includes interviews with the Chairman of the Esto'k Gna Tribe and local scientists. She participated in the 2020 UT Austin Engaged Scholar Initiative Research Fellowship where she conducted research on designing urban landscapes to support pollinators and optimize sustainability. She continues this research and presented it at the 2020 Entomological Society of America Annual Conference. She also participated in the McAllen Nature Center UTRGV Internship where she researched converting excessive organic debris into biochar to promote local soil and plant health. Her future plans in 2021 include the Columbia University STEMSEAS Program where she has been selected for a 10-day exploratory ship voyage to study a variety of geosciences and conduct independent research.