Major: Biosciences (Cell Biology and Genetics)

Minor: Environmental Studies

Residential College: McMurtry College

Hello everyone! My name is Ashley Zhang, and I’m a junior at McMurtry studying Biosciences. My journey with the CCL started with being a participant of an Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip, looking at flood infrastructure inequities and disaster relief in Houston. Being a part of ASB allowed me to better understand environmental injustices happening in Houston and contextualize my time here at Rice and Houston. In my sophomore year, I led an ASB trip examining the intersection between environmental injustices, such as industrial pollution and sewage infrastructural issues, with natural disasters and public health issues along the Gulf. This past summer, I was also a Loewenstern fellow in Uganda working with a non-government organization (NGO) to conduct a research project analyzing the hidden costs of accessing tuberculosis treatment. It was amazing not only having the research opportunity, but being able to work more closely with one NGO and immersing myself in the culture of another country. I am beyond grateful for all the opportunities the CCL has been able to give me. My experiences working on social issues with the community have really shaped what type of person I strive to be and the work I want to accomplish after Rice. If you have any questions or want to hear more about my experiences, please email me at acz5@rice.edu! I would be happy to meet up :)