Bio
Sofia Salvador-Turner, an Environmental Engineering major and DOE Fellow, brings a passion for sustainability, innovation, and service to the Hamilton Scholars program. As an undergraduate researcher under Dr. Yelena Katsenovich, she studies the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), examining how actinides interact with iron mineral phases formed from waste package corrosion. Her work helps reduce uncertainty around actinide migration and supports safe, sustainable waste containment strategies.
Through her DOE internship, Sofia has seen firsthand how policy, leadership, and innovation intersect to shape a sustainable future. The mentorship, leadership development, and applied impact focus of the Hamilton Scholars program align seamlessly with her academic goals and professional aspirations. She hopes to grow as a confident and effective leader, refine her skills in public speaking, policy analysis, and project development, and translate research into actionable solutions.