ISS Graduate Assistants (L to R): Ana Tijerina Esquino, Marilyn Maldonado, and Laura Fleming
The Institute for Sustainability Solutions (ISS) continues to be a hub for innovation and collaboration, bringing together PSU students and faculty with external partners who are passionate about creating a sustainable future. Here we highlight three outstanding graduate students who have been instrumental in advancing our projects through the summer and now into fall. Each has brought unique skills and perspectives to their work, demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary approaches to tackling sustainability challenges.
Ana Tijerina Esquino
Degree program: MS in Civil Engineering
Project: Fuel Tank Seismic Stability Program
Ana Tijerina Esquino, originally from Mexico City and now rooted in Portland, is passionate about using her engineering expertise to enhance community safety. A civil engineering graduate with a fresh focus on engineering and rehabilitating existing structures, Ana is working to address seismic vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
Her work at ISS revolves around a project funded as part of the DEQ Fuel Tank Seismic Stability program that she discovered through her “engineering hero” and ISS affiliate, Yumei Wang. Ana is responsible for reviewing seismic vulnerability assessments and ensuring that data is digitized for public use. “I love the intersection of solving problems and implementing solutions,” Ana says. Her goal is to continue consulting in the engineering and policy field, communicating solutions that address both infrastructure safety and public policy.
Ana’s advocacy work has helped Oregon prepare for earthquakes and climate challenges, and she hopes to remain in the state to continue her contributions in the short term, though she remains open to new opportunities. “Who knows where life will take me?” she reflects with optimism.
Marilyn Maldonado
Degree program: Masters in Public Policy
Project: Sustainable Procurement Support for Native-Owned Businesses
Marilyn Maldonado grew up in Wilsonville, OR, and is now pursuing her Master of Public Policy at PSU, fueled by her passion for advocacy and systemic change. After supporting and advocating for parents, youth, and fellow peers in receiving additional support from the public school system and other institutions, Marilyn realized the power of self-advocacy and turned her focus to public policy. Her journey led her to ISS, where she is helping support Native-owned and Native-serving businesses in Oregon to access sustainable procurement training and assistance through an EPA-funded project.
Marilyn is driven by a sense of justice that informs her interest in public policy areas like anti-poverty practices, healthcare, food security, higher education, and racial equity. “I love the potential for making things better,” Marilyn says.
The flexibility and collaboration at ISS have allowed her to help shape the project in meaningful ways, and she appreciates the freedom to explore different aspects of the work. Whether working from coffee shops or meeting with partners, Marilyn values the dynamic nature of her work at ISS and the opportunity to make a tangible impact.
Laura Fleming
Degree program: Masters in Urban and Regional Planning (MURP)
Project: Industrial Symbiosis for Circular Manufacturing
Hailing from Boulder, CO, Laura Fleming is dedicated to fostering circularity in Portland’s manufacturing sector. As part of the ISS team, Laura is supporting a project funded by a Community Energy Innovation prize from the Department of Energy focused on “industrial symbiosis,” which aims to create a network where manufacturers can share waste resources as raw materials, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Laura’s role includes organizing an 8-10 person team, conducting independent research, and coordinating documentation for grant compliance. “I feel like I’m getting so much out of this experience,” Laura says, noting that the project has deepened her understanding of how industrial symbiosis can be implemented in Portland.
Her long-term goal is to work in affordable housing development and project management, ideally staying in Portland, where she has already built strong community connections. “I love everyone on the team,” Laura says. “ISS has been so focused on helping me learn and grow.”
Each of these students has brought their unique strengths to the Institute for Sustainability Solutions, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation. As they continue their studies and careers, ISS is proud to be part of their journey toward creating a more sustainable and equitable future.