Barira Rashid
Barira Rashid is a Ph.D. scholar in Geosciences and Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Arkansas, where she serves as a Graduate Research Assistant with the National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center. Her research focuses on the intersection of geospatial data analysis, remote sensing, and environmental sustainability, with an emphasis on phosphorus point source pollution and its impact on marginalized communities. Through her work, Barira strives to advance data-driven approaches to environmental management and foster interdisciplinary collaboration between science, technology, and social equity.
Barira’s academic journey is rooted in a lifelong curiosity about the Earth’s systems—a passion first sparked by her father, a civil engineer turned navigation consultant, who introduced her to GPS and mapping technologies at a young age. Despite the societal challenges of pursuing Earth Sciences as a woman in Pakistan, Barira persevered, building her foundation through professional societies and academic research. Her early exposure to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing inspired her to pursue advanced studies in the United States, where she has been recognized for her innovation, leadership, and scholarly excellence.
Her professional experience extends beyond academia to applied research and outreach. Barira was selected for the NASA DEVELOP program, where she applied satellite Earth observation data to monitor environmental changes in river ecosystems. She also worked as an Event Assistant for Esri, contributing to the company’s global User Conference, and has written for Psych2Go, merging scientific insight with accessible communication. She is an active leader in student and professional organizations, serving as Vice President of the ASPRS Student Chapter at the University of Arkansas and Vice President of the STEPS Student Leadership Council. Her certifications include Six Sigma Green Belt, Scrum Master Certified (SMC), and Remote Pilot Certification for UAV operations.
A passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equity in STEM, Barira mentors graduate students in Pakistan and is an active member of Women in GIS, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Earth Science Women’s Network. She has received multiple honors, including the GeoScience Grad Scholar Award and the AGIC Tony Gonzales Scholarship. Looking ahead, Barira aspires to establish a research laboratory dedicated to sustainability and social impact, creating opportunities for scientists from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on solutions to global environmental challenges. Her work continues to bridge science and society—amplifying voices, advancing innovation, and shaping a more equitable future in Earth Sciences.
• Six Sigma Green Belt
- 2025
• Scrum Master Certified (SMC) - 2025
• Scrum Fundamentals Certified (SFC) - 2024
• Agile Project Management White Belt - 2024
• NASA Open Science - 2024
• Remote Pilot Certificate - 2024
• Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi - BS (Hons.)
• National University of Sciences and Technology - MS
• Arizona State University - MS
• University of Arkansas - PhD (in progress)
• United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation
• American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
• Cartography and Geographic Information Society (CaGIS)
• Arizona Geographic Information Council (AGIC)
• GreenLight Solutions
• Women in GIS
• Esri's Young Professionals Network
• American Geophysical Union
• IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS)
• American Society of Civil Engineers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my lifelong fascination with the intersection of people and the planet. That curiosity led me to earn a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, followed by a Master’s in Remote Sensing and another in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). I am currently pursuing a PhD in Geosciences, where my work focuses on applying remote sensing and deep learning technologies to assess environmental impact and promote agricultural sustainability. My time with NASA gave me both technical depth and a strong sense of purpose. I was fortunate to contribute to projects that transformed environmental data into actionable insights for humanitarian needs. One program especially close to my heart is NASA Lifelines, which makes climate and geographic data more accessible for disaster response and global development. It reinforced my belief that the most powerful data is data people can actually use. Professional organizations such as the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing have also played a key role in my growth. They’ve provided not only technical resources but also a community of peers who challenge, inspire, and support me. Representation matters—and being a woman in these spaces, and using my voice within them, matters deeply to me.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Don’t chase titles—chase impact.” That advice came from a mentor during my graduate studies, and it’s stuck with me ever since. It reminded me that recognition is nice, but meaningful work—the kind that actually improves lives or ecosystems—is what sustains you over the long haul. Another piece of advice I carry with me is: “If the room isn’t designed for you, build a better one.” That’s what motivated me to co-found educational programs and get involved in community-based science outreach. Sometimes inclusion doesn’t just mean being invited in—it means creating the table.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is simple: don’t wait for permission. Your perspective matters. Find mentors who will guide and challenge you, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to evolve. The world needs your voice—and your science.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Navigating STEM as a woman—especially as a woman of color—can be incredibly isolating. There were times when I was the only one in the room who looked like me or came from my background. You’re constantly balancing the need to prove your technical abilities while also battling assumptions about your competence or role. Beyond representation, another challenge has been securing funding for interdisciplinary projects that don’t fit neatly into one category. Working at the intersection of environmental science, AI, and equity is exciting, but it can also make grant-writing and stakeholder buy-in more complex
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I’ve always believed science should serve society. That’s why I co-founded EcoCulture, a nonprofit that brings GIS and environmental education to K–12 students in Arizona. I’m also active in the Arizona GIS Society and have contributed to bike advocacy and transportation nonprofits in Arkansas. Mentorship plays a big role in my life—both giving and receiving it. The best mentors taught me technical skills and how to navigate real-world challenges with empathy.