I am a PhD and Master in Geosciences from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (Spain) and an engineering geologist from the National University of Engineering (Peru). I also contribute as a volunteer in different international organizations related to engineering geology geosciences education and geoethics.
I belong to the first generation in my family to go to university, and I found my pathway difficult because I graduated in a “men only” career in Peru, a developing country located in central South America. My female classmates and I were affected by a sexist and misogynist culture. In this sense, my biggest challenge has been to be a single mom and professional at the same time. To handle it, I must organize my schedule very well to balance my professional and personal life.
I develop research in Environmental Geology, with emphasis on geological hazards. I investigate geological phenomena to contribute to disaster reduction. My current role is as an adjunct research fellow at CDU. I am currently working on researching Green Infrastructure and Nature-based Solutions to promote resilient and self-sustaining locations in the face of flood and debris-flow risk.
I believe that life is short, and it is not worth getting lost in endless debates, but moving forward to achieve our goals. It is our responsibility to contribute to the next generations, and we can do so if we continue to pursue our purposes and are role models for them. We must continue to encourage them to study and continue the learning-teaching cycle.
Dr Sandra Villacorta is a Research Fellow in the College of Engineering, IT and the Environment at Charles Darwin University, Australia