Eva Mariana López Chavolla
Profile
Woman engineer and geophysicist advancing geothermal energy, remediation, and community advocacy for underrepresented groups.
How did you get involved in engineering projects to address climate change? What were your background skills or experience?
I trained as a geophysicist at UC Berkeley and am now pursuing a masters in Energy Engineering at UNAM. My interest in renewable energy and environmental justice began in Michoacán, where limited resources left low-income families most affected. These concerns deepened when my family migrated to the U.S. and I became part of underrepresented minorities in communities impacted by land and water contamination from agriculture. In California, I worked on remediation projects serving disadvantaged neighborhoods, strengthening my commitment to environmental justice. At the same time, my research on geothermal systems explores climate-friendly energy, while my work with legal aid organizations connects me to communities facing contamination. These experiences gave me skills in geophysics, geology, translation, and advocacy that help me bridge science with community action.
What projects were you invloved in and what did you do?
I conduct research on the Los Azufres Geothermal Field, analyzing hydrothermal alteration to guide sustainable geothermal energy development. In California, I have worked on the land restoration in marginalized neighborhoods. With nonprofit organizations, I translate technical and legal materials into inclusive Spanish, helping farmworker families access water quality, housing, and labor information. Each project involved combining technical expertise with community engagement to protect health and advance renewable energy.
What did you achieve?
My geothermal research contributes to understanding how renewable energy can be expanded responsibly in Mexico. Soil remediation projects reduced contaminant exposure for thousands of residents in disadvantaged communities throughout California. Through nonprofit work, I have made technical and legal information accessible to Spanish-speaking families, strengthening their capacity to advocate for safe water and housing. These efforts highlight how engineering and advocacy together can address climate and environmental challenges while empowering underrepresented communities.
What challenges did you face and how?
Challenges included limited funding for community-driven projects, technical uncertainties in geothermal exploration, and mistrust between communities and institutions. These were addressed by fostering collaboration across disciplines, grounding technical work in community needs, and ensuring transparency through translation and communication. In remediation projects, logistical issues such as contaminated soil disposal and restoration quality were managed by strict compliance protocols and direct engagement with residents.