February 24, 2025
Angela Rosales, Environmental Systems
From Napa to UC Merced: Angela Rosales's Journey in Environmental Systems
Growing up as the eldest of three sisters in Napa, California, Angela Rosales learned early on about responsibility and perseverance. Despite her family's financial challenges and frequent moves during her childhood, her parents instilled in her a powerful belief: education was the key to a better future. This foundation would shape her entire academic journey.
As a first-generation college student, Angela took a thoughtful approach to higher education. She began at community college, working to save money while exploring her academic interests. Her dedication led to two associate's degrees and an internship before transferring to UC Merced. "As the first in my family to pursue higher education, I never tried less than my best," Angela reflected.
Her passion for environmental engineering stems from a deep respect for Earth's ecosystems, landscapes and organisms. "I was interested in exploring renewable energy, water sanitation for communities, and sustainable agricultural practices," she explained. UC Merced's unique location and distinguished faculty made it the perfect choice for pursuing these interests.
Professor Colleen Naughton emerged as a pivotal mentor in Angela's academic journey. Their connection began when Angela was accepted into the Food Agricultural Cyberinformatics Tools and Science (FACTS) Bridge Program in Summer 2021. Later joining Naughton's lab through the FARMER'S program, Angela gained invaluable exposure to professional research and community-based participatory studies. "Without this exposure, I would not have realized the significance of pursuing higher education nor the impact it can have on communities," she acknowledged.
Currently, Angela's research focuses on addressing 1,2,3-TCP contamination in groundwater, a project with direct community impact. Her work involves offering free well testing to community members, developing educational materials, and creating middle school-level experiments to demonstrate water treatment processes. The project aims to enhance public understanding of groundwater issues and water treatment for domestic wells throughout Merced and surrounding areas.
As of Fall 2023, Angela completed her bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. She looks forward to continuing her TCP research project, building on the foundation she established as an undergraduate. Her journey from Napa to UC Merced demonstrates how determination, mentorship and a passion for environmental solutions can create meaningful change in communities.
