Meet Dr. Inia Soto Ramos, the Latina Scientist Changing Earth Science
Dr. Inia Soto Ramos’s journey from the serene mountains of Puerto Rico to her role as an oceanographer at NASA attests to how deeply her upbringing shaped her scientific perspective.
Her formative years in a pristine environment instilled a profound sense of responsibility for the planet. Growing up in a humble environment with limited resources, such as no cable TV, Dr. Inia Soto Ramos developed a resourceful mindset early on. “When faced with a problem, I always try to find a solution. Even if it’s not immediately possible, I think about how I can make it happen. That determination has been with me since childhood,” she says.
Growing Up in Puerto Rico Allowed Dr. Inia Soto Ramos To Understand the Beauty of Nature
“Growing up in the mountains, where the environment remains remarkably unspoiled, has had a lasting impact on me,” Dr. Inia Soto Ramos told FIERCE. “Even now, when I visit home, the area is still largely untouched by industrialization. The landscape is vibrant, teeming with trees, birds, and butterflies, even in the aftermath of hurricanes. Nature always seems to find a way to bounce back there.”
“In contrast, when I look at some coastal areas, the effects of environmental degradation become starkly apparent. Species are disappearing, and vegetation is dwindling. This juxtaposition between the untouched beauty of the mountains and the rapid changes in other regions gave me a unique perspective. It cemented my belief that we must act to preserve our planet for future generations.”
Her love for the ocean further fuels her scientific passion. “I’m fascinated by the ocean,” she explains. “Visiting places where marine life still thrives, and coral reefs remain healthy, compared to areas where corals are dying, has been eye-opening. It drives home the urgency of conservation. It’s this connection to both land and sea that motivates me to pursue a career in science, ensuring that future generations inherit a world as rich and vibrant as the one we have been privileged to experience.”
NASA’s PACE Mission and Dr. Ramos’ Groundbreaking Insights into Ocean and Atmospheric Connectivity
As an associate research scientist with NASA’s PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem) mission, Dr. Inia Soto Ramosand her team have diligently worked to ensure the satellite’s sensors function optimally. This validation phase is essential for verifying that the collected data is accurate and reliable.
Despite being in the early stages, the PACE mission is already yielding groundbreaking insights. Dr. Ramos highlights a remarkable difference in data capabilities: previous ocean color missions could only provide information from a limited range of the light spectrum, typically around 10 to 12 colors. These constraints offered a partial view of oceanic conditions. In contrast, PACE delivers an unprecedented dataset with over 200 spectral bands, akin to opening an expansive palette of colors.
“For instance, in the Gulf of Mexico,” she explains, “we’ve started analyzing the full dataset, and it’s revealing new layers of information. Patterns and phenomena, such as algal blooms, are becoming far more distinguishable when compared to previous missions.” “As we begin to discern what we’re observing, we’re learning just how powerful satellite technology can be,” she explained.
“We’re seeing areas with meanders and mesoscale eddies, those circulatory patterns often linked to high chlorophyll levels, which indicate productivity. These areas could be vital for fisheries. The more we can interpret what we’re seeing, the better we’ll understand which regions are thriving, along with tackling coastal issues like pollution.”
“It’s not just the oceans,” she continued. “In the atmosphere, we’re also seeing things we weren’t used to before, and the ability to combine these observations is groundbreaking. In September, The Gulf of Mexico was incredibly active. There were harmful algal blooms in Florida and the Campeche Bay near the Yucatán Peninsula. The loop current was very dynamic, with noticeable mesoscale eddy circulation. The water was super warm, and we experienced two hurricanes. We even captured a volcanic eruption.”
“To combine all these observations over just one month, to see hurricanes, volcanoes, algal blooms, and even connectivity between plumes that span the entire Gulf was fascinating. Despite national boundaries, the ocean connects us all. That connectivity drives larval dispersal, fisheries productivity, and so much more.”
The Human Cost of Harmful Algal Blooms
Dr. Ramos’ early encounters with harmful algal blooms shaped her understanding of the connection between science and public health. Reflecting on these experiences, she emphasized the importance of applying research to serve communities directly.
“For me, conducting research isn’t just about science. It’s about bridging that science with people and addressing issues that impact our communities,” she explained. “When I lived in Florida, algal blooms would devastate marine ecosystems. You’d see mass die-offs of fish and marine mammals. It was heartbreaking. At the same time, the beaches would close, affecting everyone, even pet owners. Later, in Mississippi, I witnessed similar events. The blooms severely impacted local fishing communities, disrupting their livelihoods.”
Dr. Inia Soto Ramos noted the urgency of studying harmful algal blooms, not only to alert communities early but also to prepare them for the blooms’ arrival and duration. “In places like the Gulf of Mexico, this issue affects both urban and remote areas. Volunteers in Florida, for instance, often collect samples and analyze them under microscopes. While valuable, such efforts are time-consuming, costly, and provide only limited insights. Even deploying planes for monitoring doesn’t give the full picture.”
This is where satellite imagery has revolutionized the field. “Satellites allow us to observe the entire Gulf in a single day. They reveal the vast extent of algal blooms, often much larger than we imagine, spanning thousands of kilometers offshore. The same technology applies to monitoring sargassum. These tools enable us to predict when blooms or sargassum patches will reach shore, often within a few days. Using circulation models, we can estimate their trajectory and alert stakeholders.”
A Latina’s Vision for Inclusive Oceanography
As a Latina scientist at NASA, Dr. Inia Soto Ramos offers a distinctive perspective on the field of oceanography. “I bring something different,” she explains. “Where I grew up and how I was raised shaped my approach to problem-solving.” Her upbringing instilled a fearlessness in seeking solutions, even in unorthodox ways. “If I see someone working on a brilliant algorithm, I’m not afraid to ask, ‘Can we adapt this to solve another problem?’ That openness is part of my DNA.” During her tenure in Florida, she focused on addressing harmful algal blooms, leveraging the state’s robust volunteer programs to collaborate with communities in Mexico. “For a few years, I trained communities in Mexico to use these tools, empowering them to track harmful algal blooms themselves,” Dr. Ramos recalls.
Her commitment to uplifting Latin communities is central to her mission. “In Puerto Rico, we see ourselves as one big family—whether Mexican, Venezuelan, or Puerto Rican. For me, it’s vital to ensure that the science I do reaches these communities, providing them with access to the same tools and knowledge.”
How Dr. Inia Soto Ramos is Guiding the Next Generation of Latino Scientists
“NASA has always been committed to diversifying its team, so once I had the necessary tools, integrating into the job wasn’t particularly difficult for me. However, I believe the real challenges arise much earlier. How do we ensure our children transition smoothly from high school to university?” reflects Dr. Ramos. “That was the hardest part for me: finding the connection to graduate school and pursuing science, especially while I was still in Puerto Rico.
“I was fortunate to study in Puerto Rico, but from there, it became a matter of figuring out how to pursue the kind of science I was passionate about: ocean color and satellite research. It was a bit of serendipity, really. I happened to meet someone who knew about a specific program, and from that one lead, I attended a meeting where I connected with more people. Each step opened new doors,” she says.
“But this isn’t the norm for most students, especially within the Latino community. Many are unaware of opportunities like REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) programs, which were pivotal for me. Even local schools often fail to highlight these resources because they themselves may not know about them. There’s a systemic problem in spreading awareness about these programs, which could help students transition into careers or graduate studies in fields like science and technology.”
“For me, participating in REU programs was a turning point. They opened up opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had. If I hadn’t engaged in those programs, I doubt I’d be where I am today. But discovering and accessing those programs was itself a significant challenge,” Dr. Inia Soto Ramos emphasizes.
Science as a Creative and Analytical Discipline
Many people still view science as a strictly analytical discipline, but Dr. Ramos’ work demonstrates that creative problem-solving is just as crucial. “There’s a lot of creativity in what we do,” Dr. Ramos explains. “It’s not just about collecting and analyzing data, though that’s part of it, but also about thinking creatively to solve problems. For instance, when we have a satellite in orbit, we need to find innovative ways to use it to address pressing challenges. It’s not just about admiring the beauty of the images we capture; we need to dive into the data and ask questions like, Can we develop algorithms to detect harmful algal blooms? Can we identify pollutants or particles that threaten human health?
“Beyond that, we explore ways to use these images for practical applications, such as monitoring fisheries. Imagine studying microscopic phytoplankton- organisms so small they seem invisible and figuring out how to detect their presence from space. It requires a leap of imagination to connect these microscopic entities to broader concerns like pollution or fisheries management.”
Dr. Inia Soto Ramos emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of her role: “Our job is to identify problems and devise solutions, leveraging the tools at our disposal. Of course, this involves collaboration with field teams to validate our scientific proposals. It’s not enough to theorize; we must ensure our findings are accurate and applicable to the real world.”
Moreover, her work requires a forward-thinking mindset. “We constantly ask, What’s next? Satellites offer a remarkable perspective of the Earth, but how can we refine this technology to address emerging issues? In my area, oceanography, we study everything from ocean color to sea surface height, temperature, and even salinity, which is critical. While my focus is on the ocean, the same principle applies to all Earth-observing satellites.
“Creativity is at the heart of it all—identifying problems, thinking of novel ways to tackle them, and ensuring our solutions are impactful for the communities we serve. It’s not just about collecting data, plotting graphs, and presenting results,” Dr. Ramos concludes.
Protecting Our Planet
Dr. Inia Soto Ramos also highlights the alarming loss of biodiversity both in the oceans and on land. “We’re losing entire ecosystems- coral reefs, for instance, are deteriorating at an alarming pace. This disrupts marine wildlife and impacts entire communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods. Fish populations and other wildlife that rely on reefs are either forced to adapt or face extinction. These cascading changes pose serious concerns for the sustainability of future generations.”
Collaboration, according to her, is key. “Institutions, industries, and academia must come together to devise innovative solutions. Satellites provide powerful tools to monitor and address issues like sea-level rise, fisheries management, and oceanic pollution, such as plastic waste. By combining resources and expertise, we can develop strategies to mitigate these challenges and, hopefully, prevent further damage.”
The rapid pace of environmental change demands immediate action. Dr. Ramos’s call to harness technology and engage in collective problem-solving offers a pathway to safeguard the planet for future generations.
She emphasizes the importance of education in cultivating awareness and action. “We have a lot of programs where we engage with schools. For instance, on Earth Day, we open our facilities in D.C. to students, inviting them to visit and see the work we’re doing. Education is key. Ensuring that the youngest generations understand what’s happening is incredibly important,” she explains.
Dr. Inia Soto Ramos and her team actively engage with communities, visiting schools and participating in events to discuss the ocean, Earth sciences, and how individuals can contribute to conservation efforts. “We divide our team to attend different events, where we talk about what we do and encourage students to explore Earth sciences. As scientists, we can’t isolate ourselves in our offices. It’s essential to make time to connect with the community, even though our schedules are demanding,” she says.
Her team hosts live events and media sessions during Earth Day celebrations to share their research and initiatives. They also leverage platforms, such as Instagram and other social media, to make their findings accessible to the public. She acknowledges the importance of simplifying complex scientific concepts for broader audiences, often relying on communication specialists to translate their work into engaging, easy-to-understand content. “It’s all about creating a connection with the community and ensuring the knowledge we share is clear and actionable,” Dr. Ramos adds.
How Dr. Inia Soto Ramos Navigates Career and Family
On a personal level, Dr. Inia Soto Ramos has navigated the complex interplay between motherhood and a demanding career. She reflects on how this dual role has profoundly reshaped her perspective on long-term goals and priorities.
“It’s easy to get trapped in the pursuit of a professional degree and to lose sight of personal well-being,” she explains. “Sometimes, it’s hard to strike a balance with your personal life. We’re often so focused on meeting deadlines that we ignore our health- postponing doctor visits, dismissing aches and pains, and putting our own needs on the back burner. It’s tough, and I won’t pretend it’s an easy task. Every day, I try to evaluate if I’m taking enough time to rest, to attend to my health, and to fulfill my responsibilities as a parent.”
Balancing her professional ambitions with raising her son required a recalibration of priorities. “My weekends are sacred,” she says. “I dedicate that time entirely to him, taking him to new places and engaging in activities together. It’s challenging, but I’ve been fortunate to work at NASA, where there’s an understanding culture. They allow flexibility, which helps me ensure I’m fully present as a parent without compromising my career.”
How Dr. Inia Soto Ramos is Inspiring the Next Generation
Dr. Inia Soto Ramos offers a wealth of advice to young Latinas grappling with feelings of doubt about their ambitions. “If you have a dream,” she begins, “you must work toward it with unwavering determination. Yes, there will be roadblocks, and sometimes the path will feel impossibly dark. But every obstacle has a solution. You just have to persist and seek it out.”
She encourages young Latinas to start exploring their career interests early. “In school, take the initiative to meet professionals in fields you’re passionate about. Ask questions and learn from their experiences. And remember, never limit yourself to a single opinion. Some might say your dreams are impossible, but that’s not true. I study microscopic organisms from space, something that might have once seemed unimaginable. If I can achieve that, you can achieve your goals too.”
She also underscores the importance of exploring diverse interests. “Step outside traditional academic paths and explore sports, community projects, art, or music. These activities nurture creativity and problem-solving skills, helping you discover innovative ways to overcome challenges. Of course, mastering subjects like math is critical but equally important is learning how to communicate effectively, seek solutions, and grow through collaboration.”
Ultimately, Dr. Ramos’s message is one of hope and perseverance: “Dream big, embrace challenges, and never give up. With the right tools, people, and mindset, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.”
