Mitra is currently a senior at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where she is finishing up a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology, and an Accelerated Master’s in Microbiology. Mitra has been involved in research throughout her academic tenure, and is currently investigating how seasonality and climate drivers may exacerbate viral infections among bumble bees found in the East Coast of North America. A native of Vancouver, Canada, Mitra’s passion for environmental stewardship was rooted at a young age, where she was embraced by the west coast’s mountainous silhouettes and towering evergreens. As she grew older, Mitra was faced with the reality that environmental issues are intrinsically multifaceted and complex. In her hometown, Mitra noticed that Indigenous groups, most of whom live on the frontlines of extractive fossil fuel projects, disproportionately face both culture and health repercussions of these destructive endeavors. In her home state of Virginia, Mitra became aware of pipeline corporations that have been colonizing the homes of long-time landowners, low-income communities, and people of color, all of whom have had little to no say in the decision making processes of these for-profit projects. It is these events and more that led Mitra to the fight for environmental justice, where she holds that the health and well-being of both people and ecological systems must be equitably protected. On campus, Mitra started a chapter of the Virginia Student Environmental Coalition, where she educates and advocates for climate justice in her state. At the World Bank Spring Meetings, Mitra hopes to partner with other youth activists to hold powerful financial institutions accountable on their climate agenda in order to create a more inclusive and just environmental movement for all people and all living entities.
Connect with Mitra
