Guiding the Next Generation of Climate Leaders: A Q&A with Program Coordinator Mariana Miranda
Meet our newest team member, Mariana Miranda. Born and raised in El Salvador and trained in Earth and Environmental Sciences in New Orleans, Mariana brings a global lens to local climate action. At CAPS, Mariana will strengthen our internship program by developing tools that enhance the student experience, mentoring interns as they tackle hands-on projects in their districts, and championing phenomena-based science that connects classroom learning to daily life.
In this Q&A, Mariana shares why she joined CAPS, how her background informs her approach to student-centered climate education, and what she hopes CAPS interns will carry forward as emerging climate leaders in their schools and communities.
What motivated you to join CAPS, and what excites you most about stepping into the role of program coordinator?
My motivation to join CAPS was twofold: the opportunity to impact education while contributing directly to climate action, and the chance to develop tools and guide interns to improve their overall experience. What truly excites me about stepping into the program coordinator role, however, is the incredible team I get to be a part of. Everyone is so supportive, and the shared knowledge base here creates constant opportunities for learning and growth.
You were born and raised in El Salvador and later pursued Earth and Environmental Sciences in New Orleans. How have these experiences shaped your global perspective on sustainability and climate action?
Reflecting on my journey, my experiences with sustainability issues in El Salvador, particularly water scarcity, profoundly shaped my commitment. When I moved to the U.S., I was initially shocked by the abundance of water and the lack of urgency around its conservation. That contrast taught me a vital lesson: even in a place like New Orleans, with seemingly endless resources, environmental changes mean that scarcity can quickly become a challenge. Ultimately, these diverse experiences have prepared me to be adaptable, to 'prosper in difficult situations,' and they fuel my passion for finding innovative, globally-informed solutions to environmental issues.
You've advocated for phenomena-based science education. Why do you think that approach is central to engaging students in environmental and climate issues?
I believe the phenomena-based curriculum is central because it instantly connects science concepts to real-life situations. This approach replaces 'old-fashioned' instruction by letting students develop a genuine interest, anchoring scientific concepts to their own experiences and local situations. In my experience, this translates directly to better student retention, engagement, and comprehension. Ultimately, students feel more confident and perform better in assessments because the science they're learning is immediately relevant to the world around them, especially when discussing environmental and climate issues.
Much of your work revolves around bringing sustainability to underrepresented groups. How will you weave your personal mission into your work with CAPS?
My personal mission is to explore and implement innovative approaches to adapting to and mitigating climate change and sustainability issues that primarily impact underrepresented communities. I'm fortunate that the structure of CAPS directly aligns with this. The interns' projects are the perfect vehicle for this mission. It is incredibly rewarding to not only work on the development and execution of these projects but also to mentor students who are benefiting firsthand, ensuring that our work at both the internship and project levels remains focused on addressing climate equity.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the students you’ll be working with and what impact they can have in their school districts and beyond?
My greatest hope is that we meet the students' goals of making a tangible impact in their school districts and communities through their current projects. Beyond that, I hope they continue developing both the technical and soft skills they need for their future endeavors, and that their passion for learning about climate change grows stronger. More importantly, I see this internship as the definitive beginning of their journey—it's the opportunity that begins their journey as emerging climate leaders in their community and beyond.