Cielo Sharkus

Background

About Cielo Sharkus

I recently completed my Ph.D in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I used hydrodynamic modeling, spatial analysis, and risk assessment tools to study how the socioeconomic landscape impacts exposure and adaptation to climate hazards. My work concentrated on examining the past and potential impacts that legacy contamination, sedimentation, and extreme weather has on riparian ecosystems and environmental health. In addition, I conducted socio-environmental analyses to identify potential risks to food, water, and energy systems. I aimed to understand the hydraulic linkages between the socioeconomic and hazard landscape, with a goal of helping communities facing intersectional tensions in climate change. With a deep-rooted passion for environmental and climate justice, I actively engage in community outreach and service to local communities in the Northeast. I have been actively involved in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for over 10 years. For 4 years, I served as an EJ/DEIA fellow for the U.S. Geological Survey’s Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, where I most recently served USGS as national Environmental Justice & DEIA coordinator. Additionally, I was awarded as a National Science Foundation Research Trainee at the Energy Transition Institute of UMass Amherst for my community-engaged environmental justice research. Beyond research, I am passionate leader in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), where I served as an advisor to the UMass undergraduate chapter and president and co-founder of the Western Massachusetts chapter for 5 years. As a water resource engineer I strive to make meaningful contributions to the field of environmental engineering.