BP Foundation STEM Public Policy Fellow
Hometown: Brownsville, Texas
School: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Degree: B.S., Civil Engineering
Placement: The Office of Rep. Hansen Clarke
Elizabeth Salinas was born in Brownsville, TX, and she earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Before beginning her studies at MIT, she helped create an annual Christmas toy drive for the impoverished Hispanic community.
Additionally, in 2007, Elizabeth attended a summer leadership development program at Columbia University in New York City as a Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America (LEDA) Scholar. There, Elizabeth and other first-generation college students from across the nation participated in several modules designed to improve critical thinking and communication skills. She is also a Ventures Scholar, Gates Millenium Scholar, and a Eugene and Margaret McDermott Scholar.
While attending MIT, Elizabeth mentored freshmen students of Hispanic heritage, offering academic guidance as well as personal advice and a social connection. As part of her extensive coursework, Elizabeth worked for a civil and environmental engineering design team. The team of five focused on reducing environmental harm and harnessing energy.