#SoCaltech: Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio

Photo: Fred Serricchio

“I do the Soil Science Citizen Science Initiative with K–12 students, STEAM educators, and STEAM enthusiasts around the world. They take soil samples, identify nematodes, determine the soil quality, type, pH, and so on. They also look at atmospheric conditions, like the pollution index and the weather, to get a snapshot of their environment. It gives individuals, especially young students, the empowerment to say, ‘Scientifically, look at the air quality, look at the soil, look at the plants, the plant life around us. Why is it completely different between marginalized communities and others?’ Through this, we can discuss social justice, historical practices like redlining, and indigenous practices.

“Through this project, individuals develop agency to understand their environment and the ancestors who were there before them, and how those ancestors’ traditional practices actually were very nutritious for the soil. We connect the abuelos and abuelas, the grandparents and their grandchildren, in conversation.

“My grandfather used to tell me about traditional ways to cultivate the soil in Puerto Rico. Here in Pasadena, we're on Chumash and Tongva land. What was done previously? We need to connect to the elders, talk about indigenous science and how it was lost. How is it being reclaimed right now for the indigenous cultures? We need a global acknowledgement that we are a global community. We are temporarily on this land, and we need to make sure that our future world-changers have access to this historic knowledge as well.

“When I learned I was part of the 2024 class of The Explorers Club 50: Fifty People Changing the World that the World Needs to Know About, I was utterly floored, humbled, and overwhelmed with profound honor. To be recognized alongside fellow awardees who diligently push the boundaries of science and exploration yet often remain unseen by the wider world is an incredible privilege.” 

Aidyl Gonzalez-Serricchio (PhD '00) is a researcher in the laboratory of Paul Sternberg, the Bren Professor of Biology, where she studies microbes and nematodes in extreme environments. She was recently named to the Explorers Club 50 Class of 2024 for her commitment to STEM access and advancing scientific exploration and societal progress. A fervent advocate for justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, she holds advisory and executive roles in organizations like SparkReach Leadership, iGIANT, and STEAM Superheroes.

#SoCaltech is an occasional series celebrating the diverse individuals who give Caltech its spirit of excellence, ambition, and ingenuity. Know someone we should profile? Send nominations to magazine@caltech.edu.