As a researcher, educator, and administrator, Karina has increased equitable access to science for historically excluded communities. Currently, she is a science analyst in the Division of Graduate Education at the National Science Foundation (NSF). As a 2022-2024 Science & Technology fellow at NSF, she identified best practices to increase the participation of Minority Serving Institutions in STEM education research. Previously, she directed the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement program at a Hispanic Serving Institution in rural Washington, implementing anti-racist teaching models. She advised Governor Jay Inslee and state legislators on STEM education initiatives from 2019 to 2022. She received the Commitment to Immigrant Rights Award in 2021 for her community organizing work addressing health disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is interested in systemic transformations in health, education, and communities using liberatory frameworks.

What are you most proud of in your work or life?

I’m most proud of my community organizing work in rural Washington that addressed health disparities unearthed by the COVID-19 pandemic at the local, regional, and state levels while centering the voices of immigrant and Latinx communities.

What are your passions and hobbies?

I like reading, writing, walking my dog, and playing with my kids.

Favorite snack food?

All kinds of fruit, especially tangerines.