Estelle Poderoso

I earned my B.A. in Global and Community Health with a minor in Anthropology from UC Santa Cruz, where I focused on medical anthropology, environmental health, and equity-based research. As part of my fieldwork, I contributed to a community public health project on asthma and air pollution, helping develop a report that was shared with local stakeholders. Before transferring, I graduated with honors from Saddleback College with an A.A. in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Social and Behavioral Sciences, where I also worked as a Transfer Peer Advisor supporting students with academic planning and transfer preparation. Through these experiences, I’ve built a strong foundation in interdisciplinary research, peer mentorship, and student support across both two-year and four-year institutions.

• UC Santa Cruz, Community Health Volunteer, Santa Cruz, CA, 2025-09, Present, Contributed to a campus-wide public health initiative focused on microplastics and ocean runoff, highlighting environmental and health impacts., Designed infographics, supported outreach efforts, and co-authored educational content on marine pollution for a collaborative project.
• Santa Cruz Public Health Outreach, Volunteer Research Assistant, Santa Cruz, CA, 2023-09, 2024-06, Collected observational data and conducted informal surveys to document local harm reduction strategies and community practices., Produced reflective journal entries analyzing themes of care, service access, and public stigma in relation to community health efforts.