Galimalaheja, a researcher of air quality and climate change – Earth’s state

Galimalahheja Her childhood was spent in New Delhi, India, where she saw firsthand the negative effects of pollution on the bustling cities around her. Later in the California Bay Area, Laheha lived with the impending wildfires. These experiences have urged her to look for ways to quantify and reduce the impact of climate change, especially on the most vulnerable populations.

As a doctorate, candidates from Columbia University’s Bureau of Global Environmental Sciences and Rahaja researched machine learning methods for measuring air pollution in marginalized communities around the world, as well as strategies for decarbonizing energy grids. It’s there. Read more about Raheja’s Journey and the woman who inspired her in the Q&A below.

How did you get into science?

I grew up in New Delhi, India, one of the world’s most polluted cities, before moving to California. There, wildfires became a part of our daily lives. , so I think the fire is chasing me and I can’t bring them out completely from my heart. Living in California, I wanted to do an impactful technological science inspired by Silicon Valley technology and mitigate the worst effects of climate change on the most vulnerable populations. In the White House under the Biden administration, I was able to work on decarbonizing the US energy portfolio. We want to continue working on decarbonization and climate science.

Is there a woman in Colombian science who inspired you?

So so many women have inspired me. My mother, Pratiba Raheja, a former pharmacist and current science teacher, encourages hundreds of students each year to find curiosity through practical science. In Columbia, FaymcNeill has always been an example, living a life of fun and vibrantness outside of work, showing me and many other women how to be a leader.

Plus, I’m inspired by Colleen Rosales from Openaq. He is a great leader, supporter and a great collaborator! I am fortunate enough to work with Colleen on many projects and am constantly motivated by her thoughtful and insightful contributions to her work. I also have Jackie Klopp of Columbia, Misbah Dawda of Berkeley, California, Pallavi Panto of Health Effects Institute, Saumya Singh of IIFM Bopal, Lissa Freeze of Ilvine, California, and Anna Hoffman’s Create Lab. , Julia Julia Udoo-Udoo-Cama, both in the thriving Earth Exchange.

Statisticallywomen account for only 33% of researchers, and tend to receive less research grants than male colleagues. Have you faced such challenges as a female scientist? Do you see things getting better?

I definitely face such challenges and they are getting worse by being a woman of color. There are still many implicit biases in the world of higher education and occupation. Luckily I take the time to mentor me and I am surrounded by wonderful women who are encouraging me, even when the state of women’s rights appears to be in decline worldwide. . I would not be anywhere without this supportive community of women. And I want to continue growing this community and supportive women of color throughout the field!