Ariane Jong-Levinger is a Ph.D. candidate in civil and environmental engineering at UCI with a background in environmental science and a focus on urban flooding. In high school, her biology teacher showed her a film on climate change called An Inconvenient Truth which inspired her to pursue a career that addresses climate change. She then started to learn more about climate change when she attended the Faculty Research Expo at Chapman University where professors present their research to undergraduate students. At first, Ariane found the transition from science to engineering very difficult due to the intensive math courses and struggled with imposter syndrome due to the lack of experience as an engineering major. She also felt isolated since there weren’t many women/people of color in her classes. However, throughout her educational career, Ariane realized it was a shift in mindset, along with helpful mentors and colleagues, that gave her the courage she needed to thrive. Her dissertation research focuses on helping emergency management entities and flood control agencies predict flood risks with current increasing wildfires and extreme precipitation. Many people misunderstand the probability of flood arrivals so Ariane believes it’ll be helpful if people expanded their tolerance for uncertainty. By incorporating fun models and simulations into PK-12 science classes, students can be exposed to the fun of science earlier on and gain experience to make informed decisions for their future and for the climate. Ariane has also started an environmental action group called "Reform and Sustain" where young people can share awareness of climate-related issues by presenting to other students. She believes this will be a step in exposing students to a more diverse and informed curriculum. Lastly, Ariane wants everyone to know that there are many options to help our environment aside from being a scientist or an engineer. She reminds everyone that an environment not only includes nature (like plants and mountains) but non-physical elements and our community as well; so one thing we can ask ourselves is: “How do I improve the social cohesion or the sense of community with the people around me?”