Ariana Elena Castillo @arianaelena97 Twitter profile | Pikagi

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Ariana Elena Castillo

@arianaelena97

12,071

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Meteorologist, PhD candidate studying stratospheric dynamics, chem, trends @Harvard | mental health advocate | I like coffee, good food, running & going outside

ATX → Somerville, MA

https://t.co/qyocRDwUyv

Joined October 2011

Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

4 months

Cool science stuff: I gridded 8-day mean N2O ratios using satellite data in the stratosphere. 🛰️ You can see the polar vortices from depleted N2O (purple) AND splitting polar vortex (wavenumbers 1&2) in the NH winter due to sudden stratospheric warming events in 2008-2010. 1/

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

1 year

Passed my qualifying exam. I’m officially a PhD candidate!!!! 💃🏽

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Happy anniversary to this beautifully written document by @clim_dynamicist 🖤

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

To the person that took my labeled food and drinks from the fridge at work: I’m a grad student that budgets for meals. You’re the worst.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

hi daily reminder that GPA doesn’t define you, your intelligence, and your ability to be a scientist/ researcher

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

Grades came in: - I withdrew from school last semester after attempting to end my life to pursue treatment - Less than 5 months ago I was sitting in a chair in treatment - Now my GPA is the highest it’s been - For the first time in years I’m genuinely proud of myself

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

Just gave my first seminar talk ever I can’t believe I did that !!!!!!!! #DisabledInSTEM

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

I’m at a loss for words over this photo, I’m just.... // 6:17pm in Vernon, TX // #txwx

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Hi, I’m Ariana, a PhD student in Earth & Planetary Sciences at Harvard studying stratospheric dynamics & climate by looking at the transport of long-lived molecules via satellites. I’ve been told I got here because I’m a Disabled Latina but my header says it all 🤍 #WomenInScience

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

Today I graduate from THE Texas A&M Univeristy: • B.S. in Meteorology my DREAM • Got a 4.0 my last semester • 2 NASA Internships • Only ~2-3% of Atmospheric Sciences degrees awarded are given to Latinx women... I AM ONE OF THEM

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

People are saying grad students need hobbies, but what if I feel too isolated, depressed, and exhausted to have the energy to do these things? All I want to do after work/ school (other than taking long walks and going to the gym) is lay down in bed. #PhDChat #DisabledInSTEM

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

After I came back from mental health treatment, I asked a mentor to write a letter of rec for internships. They told me I should reconsider applying bc of my mental health & may not be able to handle it. Today, I finish my 2nd NASA internship & my bosses want me to come back💃🏽

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

Reminder: having a strong representation of women in STEM doesn’t equate to diversity in STEM. - a tired minority woman in STEM

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

Y’ALL. To the prof that told me my GRE scores were a “disqualifier” + people that told me I should have applied to backup schools: I got into the only two dream schools I applied to! I’m in shock & too anxious to eat chocolate because I have a decision to make!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Reality of being a PhD student with mental illnesses: I’ve had ~9 (lost count tbh) panic attacks in the past few days. I’m exhausted but advocated for myself to get an extension on something and all I can do is cross my fingers. I’ve done everything I can ❤️

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

For those attending accepted/ prospective student weekends for graduate school, I highly encourage you to have candid conversations with current graduate students about the culture of the department, institution, work environment. Ask questions but also ask for honest answers. 1/

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

I’m excited to announce that I accepted an offer to pursue a PhD at Harvard starting this Fall. I will be working under Dr. Marianna Linz ( @clim_dynamicist ) with research involving atmospheric chem, stratospheric dynamics, climate modeling + more. I’m going to be Dr. Castillo!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

When I was applying to grad school last year, I was told to wait until my condition(s) improve. Anyways, I finished my first semester as a PhD student at Harvard. My disabilities aren’t liabilities, they have allowed me to thrive in my own way. Take that ableism! #DisabledInSTEM

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

I’m hitting the point where my attention span doesn’t last for more than a few minutes, I have zero motivation, my insomnia is worse, and I just want to have some boba and pizza. I WANT to work because my job is so cool, but my brain is being stubborn. Am I the only one?

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Minority women in STEM consistently get criticized and invalidated by men. Apparently my admission into Harvard was because I’m a minority woman and got “lucky?” I seriously can’t!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

6 months

My dad texted this to the family group chat and said: “Mira mijos el eclipse!” 😂😭 #Eclipse2024

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Academia in a nutshell: me struggling to balance work and my mental health. #AcademicMentalHealth #PhDChat

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Mentors + professors: Never tell students they have a better chance of getting into graduate school because they're in underrepresented groups. We are already navigating a system that was not built for us and to invalidate years of their hard work is just... Don't do it.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

I say this a lot but I really want to reiterate that many of us are involved with advocacy because of experiences, trauma, and we are trying to survive, not because it’s something to put on the resume. I speak out because I don’t want anyone to experience what I have.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

A year ago I attempted suicide. I was heartbroken with a slew of mental illnesses. Since then: -2nd internship @ NASA -Made new best friends -Started my dream hobby ⛸ -Got a new student worker job after being unfairly fired by my last one There’s hope. Don’t give up.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

Hi I worked my a** off to get to where I am when people consistently told me I got success + positions because I’m a minority woman. I’m a scientist who EARNED my successes while having jobs, enduring life changing trauma + mental illnesses. I am a qualified candidate. Period.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Hi. I just wanted to let you all know that I’m queer and if you don’t accept and support that that PLEASE unfollow me. Wow I feel like this weight was lifted off of my chest. 🏳️‍🌈 #LGBTQinSTEM

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

My experiences as a PhD student with depression, anxiety, panic, and anxiety disorders for #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth to raise awareness: a thread 🧵 1/

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Hi. I don’t have my life together. I’m struggling with classes. I put my research on hold for the time being. Despite this, I’m *still* drained. Balancing school and my mental health has been a huge challenge. If you’re struggling, know you’re not alone 🖤

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Three years ago I was told to reconsider grad school because of my mental illnesses, then I started my PhD program in the middle of a pandemic as my life was falling apart & dropped almost all my classes. I kept going through the adversity this past semester. 4.0 let’s go 😭🤠

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Got my Harvard student ID today. This is so surreal!!!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Y’all like my new cover photo? I think it’s art.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

Happy International Women and Girls in Science Day! This is what a Latina scientist looks like! 👩🏽‍🔬⛈️👩🏽‍💻☀️

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

We’re not struggling with productivity, we are working/ studying in the middle of a year-long pandemic, a period of social and political unrest, and other external stressors while trying to cope and process all of these things at the same time. You’re not alone. 🖤 #PhDChat

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

It’s okay to not know everything! I’m a PhD student and I oftentimes feel like I don’t know anything. There’s always room to learn and grow!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

What sucks about being consistently burnt out is that a rest day or weekend isn’t enough and I can’t self care my way out of it. If you’re also struggling with this, know you’re not alone ❤️ #AcademicMentalHealth

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

I have a lot of new friends so I thought I’d re-introduce myself! Hi, I’m Ariana & I tweet about: - my journey in academia as PhD student with mental illnesses - my love for coffee, hiking, breakfast tacos, Rachmaninoff - making academia more accessible - a lot of chaos✨

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Was debating climate change with a family member and I was like, “You know I do this for a living right? It’s my livelihood.”

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

I submitted my final project, I’m done with this semester. Last fall I dropped all my classes as a result of the pandemic and my life falling apart for 5+ years. I sometimes feel like I don’t belong at Harvard, but the way I tackled my mental health & classes this semester: I DO.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

TW / suicide This photo was taken the night before the worst day of my life. Today marks 3 years since that day. I’m glad I’m still here and living a life I couldn’t possibly imagine. Depression affects those who are “always smiling” too. Check in with your loved ones ❤️1/

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

Sorry if you’ve seen this 10000 times I’m just so proud of myself for staying consistent and falling back on my routines even when depression + anxiety were debilitating. Fitness is a hobby that has helped me cope with grad school!!! 💪🏼

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Context: About a year ago, people told me I got into Harvard because I’m a disabled Latinx woman + “luck.” Being the lovely human she is, my fantastic advisor wrote this lovely letter for me to show them.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

How it started: How it’s going: 1st day of 1st day of in- Kindergarten person grad courses at Harvard

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Reminder: Struggling with mental health does not diminish your capabilities to be a great scientist, student, and/or researcher. If anyone tells you otherwise, they are feeding into the stigma. #AcademicMentalHealth #PhDChat

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

Hi, new followers! I wanted to introduce myself. I’m Ariana & I tweet about: - my PhD journey at Harvard as a Latina & #DisabledInSTEM - mental health, hiking + nature adventures, food, lots of coffee ☕️ - some meteorology/ atmospheric science - prequel memes Welcome to chaos!

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

PLANTING TREES IS NOT GOING TO SOLVE CLIMATE CHANGE

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Institutions don’t pay their student workers and graduate students enough and ask “what can we do to prioritize students’ mental health?” I dunno, maybe compensate us accordingly so we don’t have to worry about funding, taking care our ourselves, and fighting for our rights??

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

I don’t know how many times I’ve tweeted this in 2020, but I’m doing it again: Racism and hate are NOT tolerated in the Meteorology/ Atmospheric Science community. Period.

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Hi I’m Ariana I use she/her pronouns. I am a Latina meteorologist & PhD student studying atmospheric and climate dynamics at Harvard. Super proud to be #QueerInSTEM & love the community here! #LGBTQSTEMDay This is what a scientist looks like 🌈

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Ariana Elena Castillo

6 years

I’m wearing “I would rather have clean air over a wall” shirt on campus today. Let’s see how this goes.

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Hi, new followers! I want to introduce myself: -I’m a proud disabled Latinx woman -I’m an atmospheric scientist & PhD student -I’m here to talk about mental health, science, & advocate for our marginalized friends in STEM -I like StarWars, Avatar & coffee ☕️

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

The audacity to take someone’s food that’s labeled!!!!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

Me looking at all the work I didn’t do over Thanksgiving break:

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Happy to announce I accepted an offer to hopefully intern at NASA Langley working on “Developing new perspectives on inventories of VOCs” under Dr. Katie Travis, who got her PhD at Harvard. Small world! Little girl me couldn’t possibly imagine I’d have 3 NASA internships!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

1 year

Still can’t believe this happened just over 3 years ago. This letter is framed in my office now. Super thankful for the support I’ve had from my friends and colleagues since I’ve been at Harvard. Here’s to 3 years of proving people wrong! 💃🏽

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Happy anniversary to this beautifully written document by @clim_dynamicist 🖤

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Well.... I completed my final presentation for my internship at @NASA_Langley !! It has been such a pleasure to spend my past 3 summers at NASA. Thanks for all the support!! Now I have a few weeks to breathe before start my PhD program at Harvard!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

I decided to pull out of my poster presentation for AMS due to my longer recovery from COVID, which has impacted my mental health. Before starting grad school, I made a promise to myself to prioritize my mental health. This isn’t a failure, but a commitment to that promise 🤍

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

Flew though mammatus at sunset tonight I’m in awe!!! Also: look at those scattering particulates!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

Nothing says “Happy Valentines Day!” like getting into a graduate school program at a dream school! I can’t believe it. I’m in awe. I think I’m going to eat some chocolate.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Today I put on an outfit I was a bit scared of wearing, but I did anyways because I’m ready to demolish the insecurities I’ve had since I was a kid. I feel pretty badass!!!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

I just ordered my graduation dress online and I can’t believe this is happening. I can’t believe I’m going to be one of the ~2% of Latinx women with an atmospheric science degree!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

Finished teaching for the first time ever! I’m exhilarated and exhausted all at the same time.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

CW / weight loss Stepped on the scale today and I hit +76lbs down since September 1st, 2020. I’m in awe that I’ve made it this far in a way that’s sustainable for me. Gonna get some pizza or a burger tonight bc I was gonna do that regardless of what the scale said!!! Whoop!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Have I told y’all my advisor is the best?

@clim_dynamicist

Marianna Linz

@clim_dynamicist

4 years

@arianaelena97 This must be so exhausting. I just wrote an official thing that you can copy and paste in response before blocking them. I'll send you a PDF version, too.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Last post I promise. I almost didn’t want to chase yesterday after 3 years of messy setups & mistakes. Even in discouraging moments, I have fond memories. It took 3 years to see another ‘nader. This is why I keep going - I’m chasing the dreams 7-8 year-old Ariana had. 🌪

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@arianaelena97

Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

In case you didn’t know, tweets like this are a side effect of blatant racism.

@clairlemon

Claire Lehmann

3 years

Not sure whether the nails are real or fake, but in case you didn’t know very strong nails & hair can be a side effect of steroid use.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Tw / weight What a difference a year makes. I’ve posted a bit about my weight loss journey here: I’ve lost over 60 lbs in less than 11 months. I’m just as beautiful as I was a year ago- but I am stronger, found more confidence, and learned to love myself. Now it’s time for cake!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

I was rejected from a fellowship. A critique:"This application could be improved by.. increasing or demonstrating engagement w. communities that are underrepresented." Reviewer 2, this is why I advocate for marginalized folx in STEM. We pour ourselves out & it's still not enough.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

1 year

The audacity that “women, under-represented minorities & people with disabilities are encouraged to apply” when reviewers say racist things like this. We are “encouraged” to share our experiences only to be told we aren’t enough. The system is broken, where’s the accountability?

@UiisesPerez

Ulises Perez

1 year

I love the NSF GRFP!!!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Being a Disabled + Latinx woman in Earth Science has been such an adventure. Sometimes I wake up and wonder if my life is a dream. From Texas A&M, NASA, and Harvard: I wouldn’t have it any other way! #WomenInScience #InternationalDayOfWomenInScience

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Ariana Elena Castillo

1 year

My roommate works at MathWorks. Knowing I do a significant amount of my data analysis via MatLab, we stopped by MathWorks headquarters on our way home from errands & he gave me a lil tour. I felt like a kid in a candy store tbh 👩🏽‍💻

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

This isn’t discussed enough but: I’m burnt out from science because I’m burnt out from things going on in my life. Oftentimes, I don’t have energy to be passionate about science + do research. But I’m doing the best I can even when it doesn’t look like a lot. 🤍 #PhDChat

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Ariana Elena Castillo

1 year

Me: “I’m feeling isolated in grad school.” Response: “Have you tried going to department events?” Me:

@AndrewDessler

Andrew Dessler

1 year

holy shit. not a place I would want to go to grad school.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 months

I didn’t realize that it’s May and #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth I was diagnosed w. depression, anxiety, bipolar, panic disorders in undergrad & was hospitalized after an attempt. It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey, but I am thankful that I am still here. You are not alone💜1/

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

weed out classes are unnecessary and push out capable students. we should be giving students the tools and concepts they need to thrive in their prospective fields!

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Joe Milliano

2 years

Which of your STEM education related opinions would get you in this position?

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

@MinoritySTEM Hi! My name is Ariana & I’m a Latina🇲🇽 atmospheric scientist. I will start my PhD program at Harvard this Fall! My research w. NASA for three summers was related to wildfires, and I’ll be working on stratospheric structure using trace gases for my PhD. Nice to meet you!!!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

Campus at twilight @TAMU

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 months

I’m [now] ✨27✨ years old, I’ve no money and no prospects. I’m already a burden to my parents and I’m frightened!!! Hello late 20s!!!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

This is what a scientist looks like: I felt pretty cool wearing this shirt while studying stratospheric dynamics today. Despite all the obstacles I’m still here. WE are still here! 🤍 #DisabledInSTEM #LatinaInSTEM

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Ariana Elena Castillo

1 month

Career update: Excited to announce I will be a visiting scholar hosted by @AtmoScientist at OU starting in October. I will continue my stratospheric age + tracers work while learning about troposphere-stratosphere exchange & in-situ observations ✈️ Thrilled to return to Norman!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

I’ve said this so many times but: Institutions love recruiting underrepresented + minority students and say they prioritize DEI initiatives but provide little resources & support once we get there, then ask us to help with these issues when many of us are burnt out and exhausted.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

First dose ☑️ I straightened my hair for the first time since 2019 for the occasion and treated myself to a big coffee afterwards ☕️

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

I thought I finished a loaf of bread and thought I was losing my mind over it disappearing last semester but I think someone stole that too!!!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

A day later I’m pinching myself and wondering if yesterday was a dream. April 23, 2021 will be an event to remember 🌪 Photos 1 & 2: Tornado #5 , Photo 3: meso right before Tornadoes #3 & 4, Photo 4: Tornado #6 #txwx

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

Finally got a Costco membership and I love it?!!? I got a fuzzy sweater, a fresh rotisserie chicken, Greek yogurt, sparkling water, pop corners, and espresso in bulk. Is this what the good part of being an adult is like?

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Hi, new followers! I’m Ariana and I tweet about: - my journey in grad school - disability, mental health, DEI advocacy in academia #DisabledInSTEM - Star Wars, coffee, hiking, daily struggles, storm chasing - sometimes I tweet about science ☁️ Anyways, welcome to chaos!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

Me, an atmospheric dynamicist: LOOK AT THE FLUID DYNAMICS IN MY ICED SWEET CREAM COLD BREW.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

CW: weight Idk if anyone cares, but I’m wearing a bikini for the first time since I was 8. I stopped wearing them after a family member made a backhanded comment about me (a child) wearing one and my weight. This is a HUGE step for me & I’m so proud of myself!!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Oh my gosh.... This is really happening?! Grad school is actually happening?!

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Happy Valentine’s Day from the icy planet of Hoth! 💖

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

#DisabledRollCall Hi, I’m Ariana. I’m a meteorologist + PhD student. I have a few mental illnesses & was officially diagnosed 2.5 years ago. Being in STEM with my illnesses hasn’t been easy, but my struggles have inspired me to speak out & educate others. #mentalhealth 1/2

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

I really wish people in academia could be more understanding when people have struggles and things to take care of outside of school + research. We are human. We have lives outside of academia too. There’s more on our plate than academic-related stuff.

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Ariana Elena Castillo

2 years

Repping @tamu on campus at Harvard today!! Gig ‘em!!!! 🤠

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

TW / suicide and depression It finally hit me today. Two years ago, I was in so much pain I wanted a way out. Today, I’m crying tears of joy because I’m still here and I’m happy to say that I’m not faking this smile. #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

I really wish folks in academia would acknowledge and appreciate the fact that people are going through invisible struggles and stressors — what may “seem” like the bare minimum is really us doing the best we can despite struggling #AcademicChatter

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

Hi, I’m burnt out. If you’re also burnt out, know you’re valid and you’re not alone ❤️

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Ariana Elena Castillo

5 years

I don’t know if anyone cares, but I officially set up my Harvard email today, which is a step closer to starting my PhD journey. During times like these it’s the little things. I still can’t believe I’m going to be a Harvard PhD student?! ✨

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Ariana Elena Castillo

4 years

Today is my first day at my third NASA internship!!! So here’s a picture of me on my first day on center at LaRC last summer not wearing a baggy shirt and sweatpants! Super thankful I still get to do what I love from home. #LatinaInSTEM #NASAintern

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

I don’t want to hear anyone saying how much “better” Canada is. The last residential school closed in 1996. Canada is built on white supremacy and genocide - don’t forget that.

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3 years

Authorities in Canada uncovered the remains of 215 children, some as young as 3 years old, at the site of a former residential school for indigenous students

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Ariana Elena Castillo

1 year

It’s been 5 years. Half a decade. Depression is a never ending battle but I am so glad I’m still here. Know you’re not alone. 🤍 #SuicideAwareness

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Ariana Elena Castillo

3 years

TW / suicide This photo was taken the night before the worst day of my life. Today marks 3 years since that day. I’m glad I’m still here and living a life I couldn’t possibly imagine. Depression affects those who are “always smiling” too. Check in with your loved ones ❤️1/

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Ariana Elena Castillo

1 year

For context to this tweet: I had the wake-up call to start prioritizing my physical health on my birthday 3 years ago. Since then, I’ve lost 85+ lbs and continued to maintain. Still the same person, same smile, I love them both! 🤍

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Ariana Elena Castillo

1 year

Ran 6 miles for my 26th! 3 years ago, I could barely walk 2 miles. Celebrating with waffles 🎉

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