For Ray, teaching is more than lectures and textbooks — it’s about empowering students to see themselves as change-makers in a world that needs sustainable solutions.
Ray’s journey at Mesa College has been marked by transformative projects and initiatives. One of her most notable roles is as co-director of the Climate Literacy @ Mesa project. Supported by the TerraMesa Environmental Sustainability & Conservation Club and Audubon on Campus, the initiative works to increase climate literacy among students and instill sustainable practices across the campus. Under Ray’s leadership, the project has grown into a thriving community of students eager to tackle pressing issues like conservation and climate action.
Her passion for hands-on learning has taken her to new horizons. In 2023, Ray sailed aboard the Research Vessel (R/V) Thomas G. Thompson from Seattle to Honolulu as part of STEMSEAS, a National Science Foundation-funded program that connects students with faculty and mentors through immersive geoscience experiences. A year later, she joined the R/V Sally Ride, journeying from Newport, Oregon, to San Diego.
In summer 2024, Ray joined a permafrost hydrology research team in the far north of Greenland as an Educator Fellow with Polar STEAM. This NSF-funded program pairs educators and artists with polar researchers to collaborate on understanding some of the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems. While stationed at Pituffik Space Base and the town of Qaanaaq, the team collected water samples, installed groundwater wells, and measured streamflow. The vital research done for the program aims to improve climate models and advance researchers’ existing understanding of the Arctic water cycle amid accelerated climatic changes.
Reflecting on her work, Ray shared, “My mission is to empower students to see themselves as key players in creating sustainable solutions. Through mentorship, hands-on experiences, and community-driven projects, we’re building pathways to impactful careers and meaningful contributions to the world.”
Ray’s work is a testament to Mesa College’s commitment to equity, excellence, and sustainability. Through her leadership, students are not only learning, but they’re shaping the future.