Patricia Danielle Hernandez Howard is a senior at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley majoring in environmental science with a minor in political science. On campus, Howard conducted research on a sustainable ocean water desalination method, funded by the Engaged Scholar and Artist Award program, which won the sustainability category of the Engaged Scholar Symposium at UT Rio Grande Valley. She has also been actively involved in the Student Government Association as a senator, sergeant-at-arms for the student senate, and secretary of communications and recruitment. After graduation, Howard will pursue a graduate degree in environmental policy to further refine her academic and professional skill set. She is a passionate sustainability advocate who aims to bridge the gap between policy and science to make the world a better place.