Humans of CIRES: Elizabeth Jimenez
NSIDC data operations specialist enjoys camping and kayaking in the mountains
Spotlight | NSIDC
Elizabeth Jimenez, a data operations specialist, sustains important NASA Earth science data at NSIDC. Jimenez “jumped at the opportunity” to move to Colorado to start working at CIRES, and she loves living close to the mountains, where she likes to camp and kayak. Jimenez grew up in a small, rural town in Texas, surrounded by corn fields, a couple of milking cows, chickens, and ducklings. And in June 2026, she finally got to travel to a bucket list location — Iceland.
Basalt Columns Bars at Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Iceland
Humans of CIRES Q&A
What do you work on at CIRES?
I help make sure important NASA Earth science data is organized, stored safely, and easy for people to access.
What brought you to CIRES?
I always wanted a job that would allow me to travel, so when I received my job offer with CIRES and learned it was contingent on moving to Colorado within one month, I jumped at the opportunity! Even though I had never visited Colorado before, I knew I would enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. Taking that leap was one of the best decisions I've made, and I've loved the change to mountain scenery.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small rural town in Texas. My childhood was spent surrounded by trees, corn fields, two milking cows, and raised chickens, and ducklings. I now live in a city, and looking back, I realize how fortunate I was to grow up so close to nature. It's a big reason why I enjoy camping, gardening, and hiking today.
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
My favorite thing to do is head into the mountains for a weekend of camping and kayaking. I'm also always on the lookout for new camping recipes to try out next time.
Tell us about one of your favorite adventures.
During my undergraduate geology studies, I was fascinated by Iceland's deep mantle plume and its unique location directly atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are pulling apart. I made it my goal to visit Iceland after graduating from college.
In 2022, after a couple of years of planning, I had my flights booked and accommodations reserved — but I got COVID and had to cancel the entire trip. It was disappointing, but I never gave up on the goal. This past June (2026), I finally checked Iceland off my bucket list, and the wait was absolutely worth it! My favorite experience was taking a private geology tour of Iceland!
