Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Kiera Hale is a third-year honors Environmental Science major and Biology minor at Howard University. As a member of the seventh cohort of the Karsh STEM Scholars Program, Kiera is passionate about environmental research and plans to earn a Ph.D in Environmental Science or Ecology. Kiera is interested in how ecological teachings and research can inform environmental justice and social change.
Worked with the Burke Botany Laboratory in research focused on plant mechanisms and morphologies. Contributed to the digitization of Howard University Herbarium’s plants for the Mid-Atlantic Herbaria Consortium. Learned about the botanical samples and maintenance of the Howard University Herbarium and assisted in plant DNA extraction from seeds.
After 2 years of successful competition as a competing Delegate, Hale was elected as Co-Head Delegate by the Howard Model United Nations Team. In this role, Hale was in charge of training the entire HUMUN team by preparing educational materials, conducting committee simulations, and traveling to conferences alongside the competing delegates. This also included keeping track of member progress and acting as a mentor to new members.
As a competing delegate on the Howard University Model United Nations (HUMUN) Team, Hale has participated in months of research and debate on global politics. Hale has competed in the International Model African Union Conference, the National Collegiate Security Conference, and the International Model North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) conference. Hale has been awarded for her skills in productive debate, resolution writing, and diplomacy. Researching a diverse array of issues such as climate displacement, Transatlantic relations, and African politics, Hale has broadened her understanding of global politics and her ability to produce viable solutions to matters of international affairs.
Interned as a Yale Conservation Scholar at Rock Creek Conservancy, working on several projects surrounding biodiversity surveys, forest restoration, and community engagement. Acted as a Peer Mentor to the 2024 cohort of Yale Conservation Scholars. Participated in weekly Professional Development Sessions, learning skills such as QGIS, photography, and environmental justice history. Attended the 2025 New Horizons in Conservation Convening at Yale University and presented a Flash Talk at the Convening.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, Hale volunteered for 1-3 hours a week in the Howard University Greenhouse. She worked closely with the Greenhouse Curator to manage, propagate, and care for tropical, temperate, and desert plants.
As a member of the Executive Board of the Howard University Water Environment Association, Hale worked to bring a wide range of environmental events and perspectives to Howard students. Hale worked to organize Howard University's first Climate Week, where Hale moderated a Fireside Chat with Marcene Mitchell of the World Wildlife Fund and an Environmental Justice Panel with Howard faculty and community organizations. She has also organized events around nature journaling, water and land sovereignty, and
Worked as a Food Infrastructure Intern of the Howard University Water Environment Association (HUWEA), organized and executed events around food sovereignty, land management, environmental education, and more. Additionally, helped to organize Howard University's first Green Jobs Fair and attended several symposiums and conferences as a representative of HUWEA.