Ileana is a Ph.D. Candidate in Marine Sciences at UNC Chapel Hill studying how marine communities are changing in our global oceans. As Activities and Fundraising Co-Chair, Ileana helps organize opportunities for the BWEEMS community to learn, have fun, decompress, and get to know each other. She is excited to see her BWEEMS support system and show them around her part of North Carolina. Ileana values the authenticity, inclusion, and connections she’s found through BWEEMS and is looking forward to continuing to grow as a scientist and person at BWEEMS 2025!
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in EEMS?
A: When I was a junior in high school, I had the opportunity to intern at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD. I fell in love with science communication, and to this day, the exhibits in the aquarium are one of my favorite places to be. That experience inspired me to study Marine and Environmental Science at Hampton University.
Q: How do your identities shape your approach to your work and involvement in the scientific community? What does being a Black gender minority in EEMS mean to you?
A: As a marine and environmental scientist, I look at our world and I think a big part of our problems is that the same people are trying to come up with solutions to global problems. I’ve seen firsthand how even one voice with a different perspective can transform outcomes within our research for the better. I’ve had experiences no one else has and thoughts no one else has explored. The contributions of Black women in this field and others is immeasurable. Being a Black woman in EEMS, I aim to make this space more equitable, enjoyable, and safe for new ideas and experiences. It means the world to me and I make it my mission to cultivate more spaces where Black women find community to keep pursuing this work.
Q: How do you balance being a scientist with the rest of your life?
A: I often struggle with this, but have found I am not a good scientist when I have no life. I frame rest as a necessity to do good work and it helps me feel less guilt when walking away from my computer at the end of the day. I love my hobbies and find a lot of peace in them which is also why I prioritize them. I enjoy puzzles, yoga, reading (I’m in two book clubs and love historical fiction), and Legos!
Q: What is your dream job?
A: BWEEMS inspires me to dream big so here is how I dream of introducing myself at our BWEEMS Conference in 2040: I am the Principal Investigator of an Environmental Data Science Consortium across HBCUs, a faculty member leading immersive research programs for undergraduates, and I am a MacArthur Genius Grant Fellow.
Q: What art are you most excited about and want to share with BWEEMS?
A: Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler is a classic with lots of relevance to today’s world. I have also been loving the show “The Equalizer” recently! Also, as a fan of Legos and music, “Piece by Piece” was one of my favorite movies of 2024 and I can’t wait for it to be streaming! Highly recommend.
Q: Who are some Black gender minorities who you look up to (in EEMS & beyond) and why?
A: Talitha Washington and Ruha Benjamin are incredible academics who have championed and inspired change at so many levels. Their leadership and pioneering of new programs to support our communities are awe-inspiring. Yeshimabeit “Yeshi” Milner is the Founder & CEO of Data for Black Lives and is an absolute BOSS at bringing together activists and data scientists to change the world. Attending the Data for Black Lives conference in Miami last year was one of the best parts of my year (and I got to hear Ruha Benjamin speak there as well!!)
Q: What advice would you give young Black gender minorities interested in EEMS?
A: Find your community, lean on your community, and give back to your community. BWEEMS is a great example of a community to be a part of and contribute back to. If the community doesn’t exist yet - start it. There is someone else out there just like you, yearning for that space, and sometimes, all we need is someone to put it out there. I also strongly suggest considering attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) - it was the best decision I ever made. To have at least one piece of my career be in a space where Blackness was openly celebrated and acknowledged was a critical piece of the confident scientist and person I am today. It may not be for everyone, and that’s ok! But if you have never visited or talked to an alum, I recommend doing so as you think about your options.
Q: What’s your favorite place in nature and why?
A: I love being by the water and I love being in green spaces built into my community (parks, trails, etc). Right now, one of my favorite places is Dix Park in Raleigh, I go there for a weekly free yoga program in the spring and summer. It’s a beautiful park in RDU for anyone coming to BWEEMS conference if you want another spot to check out!
Q: Share your favorite BWEEMS memory!
A: The North Carolina BWEEMS community of graduate students in the Raleigh-Durham area has been such a source of support for me. Our lunches to catch up, offer advice, vent, and enjoy each other’s company have been so amazing. We have also gone to some great spots! Great food and great company where we can be our authentic selves and talk about our science has been that support I really needed as I navigate grad school.
