Karol Viniegra dreams of working as a scientist for the United Nations Environment Programme one day. Now she is one step closer to achieving her dream after receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Science with a major in Environmental and Sustainability Studies this fall. Viniegra is one of more than 300 students who graduated during Dalton State’s fall 2024 commencement exercises on December 17.
“It’s a big job and major responsibility, but I know I’ll be able to accomplish my dream to encourage and contribute to sustainable and responsible development and environmental use,” Viniegra said.
Viniegra, a Rome High School graduate, chose Dalton State primarily due to its Environmental and Sustainability Studies program, which gives students the knowledge and skills to address environmental and social challenges, including complex issues like renewable energy, climate change, recycling, and environmental security. The program was designed in collaboration with the Alliance for Innovation and Sustainability (AIS), a non-profit organization of manufacturers, educators and community leaders working to develop northwest Georgia as a hub of sustainable innovation.
“Pursuing a degree in Environmental and Sustainability Studies has been a privilege and has been my main interest because it’s a priority to address and spread awareness of the ecological impacts and anthropological consequences of modernity,” Viniegra said.
Viniegra’s love for science began when she was a girl, and her grandmother encouraged her curiosity of science through books, documentaries, and trips to places such as museums, zoos, and aquariums – experiences Viniegra recounts as “beautiful bonding moments” that led her closer to her dream. It was also her love of science that inspired Viniegra to continue her education despite facing obstacles as an immigrant.
She came to the U.S. from Mexico when she was 12-years-old. While learning English and succeeding in school was a challenge, Viniegra credits her mother, teachers and tutors with her success.
“Now, graduating college has been a series of unconditional support through my family, friends, teachers, and professors,” Viniegra said.
While attending Dalton State, Viniegra continued to explore the world of science in the classroom and in the field through internships and undergraduate research opportunities. She worked for two years in Dalton State’s Turtle Assurance Colony (TAC) and Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) projects, where she contributed to conservation efforts and assisted with the release of endangered turtle species back into the wild.
“TAC and SAFE projects are ark conservation projects, meaning they are emergency efforts to keep turtle species from going completely extinct,” Chris Manis, assistant professor of biology and research associate who oversees TAC, said. “Students acquire skill sets that they can apply to future educational and professional opportunities. We are the only school in the United States with a project of this scale.”
Viniegra’s primary role was managing the spotted turtles cared for under the SAFE project. The animals were brought to Dalton State three years ago after they were seized from an illegal poaching operation as part of a collaboration that includes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Turtle Survival Alliance.
In addition to the day-to-day care of the spotted turtles, Viniegra helped with the genetic identification of each turtle to determine the region from which they were poached. This past summer, the turtles were released back into the wild.
Viniegra also completed an internship with Gowin Valley Farms, a mushroom farm in Rocky Face, Ga.
“Working at the farm gave me hands-on experience as if I were working in a lab and in a greenhouse,” Viniegra said. “One of my most memorable experiences from my internship would be harvesting all of the mushrooms, as I had watched them grow from a 3- to 4-week period.”
Viniegra plans to pursue a graduate degree and continue her studies in environmental social sciences and mycology – the study of fungi.
“I am grateful for the opportunities Dalton State gave me, and I’m beyond excited to continue my higher education,” Viniegra said.
