Cristina Carbajo
Cristina Carbajo grew up in Oak Ridge, Tenn., surrounded by the buzz of scientific inquiry. She was drawn to the world of environmental biology thanks to her high school science teachers who were former researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Her favorite teacher, the late Dr. Nivedita Ganguly, who taught environmental science and biology classes, inspired her to pursue a degree in biology at Tennessee Tech.
It wasn't only biology that captured her interest. Carbajo also minored in geology, wildlife and fisheries sciences, and music performance. She also engaged in research and completed two summer internships at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the Environmental Sciences Division.
“The professors at Tennessee Tech are top-notch. They are dedicated to their students, and they propelled me into graduate school,” she said. “Besides Dr. Daniel Combs, who served as a mentor my entire four years at Tech, I had several other wonderful professors. Dr. Michael Harrison and Dr. Evan Hart in the Earth Science Department introduced me to hydrogeology and water resources, which launched me into my graduate work and now my current career.”
After graduating from Tech, she earned a master's in earth and atmospheric science from Purdue University.
“Dr. Combs helped guide me through the process of selecting and applying to graduate schools. He gave excellent advice on determining the best-fit university for what I was looking for and was very supportive when I chose to complete my graduate work in another field outside of biology,” she recalls.
After earning her master’s, Carbajo worked at an environmental consulting firm for several years before she found her true passion: teaching. She taught geology at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville for several years until she was named the program coordinator for the new Water Quality Technology degree program in 2019.
“There is a dire need for qualified individuals to treat our drinking and wastewater, and the skilled worker shortage in Tennessee led to the development of this new degree program,” she said. “I created and teach nine different classes for the program.”
In this role, she's able to combine her passion for environmental science with her
love for teaching. 
“I love teaching, but I also value the relationships I make with the students. A career in the water sector is truly life-changing for my students. It has transformed so many of their lives and given them opportunities previously out of reach. It is also fulfilling to see their success as they pass state certifications and receive promotions – I love seeing my students excel in their careers.”
Looking back, she credits Tennessee Tech for not just her academic growth, but for the personal relationships she formed.
“Tennessee Tech is a treasure in Tennessee,” she said. “Academically, the university has proven its excellence in so many areas. The smaller size allowed me to form personal relationships with professors in multiple departments across campus. I am proud to have earned my degree from Tech and value the time and experiences gained while I was there.”
