Meet a Scholar: Ana Colón ‘18

My name is Ana Colón ‘18, I’m an Earth Sciences and Astronomy double major from San Juan, Puerto Rico. I started off as a physics major with an engineering minor, with the intention of being an engineer. I decided to take an earth sciences class on a whim, after which I realized I really enjoyed the subject. This past fall, I was on the earth science foreign study, which led me to declare my major in earth sciences. On campus, I am a Mellon Mays Fellow, and outside of Dartmouth am part of the Banneker Institute at Harvard, and REU program focused on social activism in astronomy and increasing diversity in academia.  

I’ve been a DAS mentor for two summers now, and it’s been one of my favorite experiences at Dartmouth.

Next year, I’m hoping to write a thesis in the EARS department, and apply to graduate school in earth sciences. I want to continue doing research and, eventually, become a professor. I want to be in a position where I can help students and try and work towards diversifying academia, one of the things I am most passionate about. Until then, I’m focusing on finishing up my major, graduating, and doing as much research in earth sciences as I can. 

I mentioned above that one of my biggest passions is working towards diversifying academia. As a student of color in a primarily white institution, programs like EE Just and Mellon Mays have made me feel like I do deserve to be where I am. I want to become a person who students can look up to when they doubt themselves. That’s the end goal, and I’m so thankful to programs like EE Just, Mellon Mays, and the Banneker Institute for helping me realize my dreams, one step at a time.