Carolina Pineda (San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians)

Carolina is an energetic and passionate professional with a diverse background in project coordination, environmental management, and educational program development. Her career is marked by a well-rounded expertise in project design, resource allocation, budget administration, and schedule management, underscored by a commitment to effective communication and relationship-building.

Currently serving as a Program Coordinator at the University of Arizona, Carolina aids in the management of the Udall Center's Environmental Policy Program and their numerous research components. In this role, she ensures all deliverables are met on time and within budget. Her work includes overseeing budget management, authoring grant documentation, and recruiting research fellows.

Prior to her current role, Carolina was a Program Coordinator at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, where she managed the research education components of significant initiatives such as the Partnership of Native American Cancer Prevention Research Project (NACP-R01) and the R25 Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP@UAZ). In this role, she excelled in organizing student-centered activities, coordinating large-scale meetings, and ensuring all deliverables are met on time and within budget. Her work included overseeing budget management, authoring grant documentation, and recruiting and training student researchers.

Carolina's career began with academic and community-based roles, including her time as a Student Assistant at Humboldt State University and as a Mentor with the San Pasqual Tribal AmeriCorps Mentoring Program. Her research experience includes studying Steelhead Trout migration patterns and the impact of methylmercury on Indigenous populations along the Lena River in Russia and along the Columbia River in Oregon, further demonstrating her commitment to integrating scientific research with community needs.

A Humboldt State University alumna with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Science & Management, Carolina also participated in the PEERS Program, developing educational materials and fostering cross-cultural learning experiences.

Outside of work, Carolina enjoys spending time in nature, communing with family, and, if there is enough time in the day, crocheting or beading.