Anacarina Acuña is a 2024 Research Experience for Community College Students (RECCS) student researcher studying land cover disturbance due to urban development with Aditi Bhaskar and Santiago Ramirez Nuñez (CU Boulder Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering). Her work, which involves a combination of aerial drone footage and mapping software, will support “improved, more sustainable, and efficient management.” Acuña’s dream is to become an environmental engineer, and she is also interested in learning more about earth science topics, including soils and air quality. She’s a talented musician, writing music, singing, playing guitar, and producing audio.

Humans of CIRES Q&A

Q: What are you working on with RECCS?

I am analyzing land cover disturbance due to current urban development using aerial drone footage and mapping software. This monitoring gives us the opportunity to better understand the impacts of urban development, which can lead to improved, more sustainable, and efficient, management.

Q: What are you most passionate about professionally?

It is not only my goal, but my dream, to be an environmental engineer. If I could do anything and knew I could not fail, this is exactly who I would be, because I have a deep respect and appreciation for nature and life.

Q: What do you wish you knew more about?

In addition to water engineering, I am eager to learn more about earth science practices, such as soil sampling and air quality control. I too find intellectual topics including philosophy, sociology, and psychology, fascinating.

Q: Best advice someone’s given you?

My dear friend and mentor, Tom Lilienthal, encouraged me to pursue what I really want in life before it’s too late. Know that we can change, and for the better, if we have the accountability, endurance, and courage to choose so. The goals that intimidate and challenge us are often the same that set our hearts on fire, fill our lives with meaning, and are the most rewarding to go after. Memento Mori and Carpe Diem are Latin phrases that mean “remember you will die” and “seize the day.” Know that you are as capable and deserving, as anyone.

Q: What brings you joy?

I make music that is available on all streaming platforms by searching my name "Anacarina." My musical skills include songwriting, vocals, guitar, and audio production.