
Lydia Ato
Lydia Ato is a senior in Winthrop House studying Environmental Science & Public Policy at Harvard College. Her specific interests are in water access and management in developing countries. Lydia is also interested in learning more about what practical sustainability can look like specifically in environmental justice (EJ) communities. As a Nigerian-American, much of Lydia’s interests stem from the limited access to potable water she experienced and witnessed growing up in Nigeria. Her immediate post-graduation dream includes traveling back to countries in Africa and working with water-related non-profits focused on building infrastructure to provide potable water to underdeveloped communities.
Outside of the classroom, along with her role at the Salata Institute, Lydia is primarily involved in Harvard Undergraduate Faith & Action, a Christian organization with the mission of sharing the love of Jesus on campus. In addition, Lydia enjoys playing tennis with friends, watching every cop-detective TV show and movie to exist, reading Jane Austen, and dancing to Nigerian-gospel music.
The Salata Institute
The Salata Institute supports interdisciplinary research that leads to real-world action, including high-risk/high-reward projects by researchers already working in the climate area and new endeavors that make it easier for Harvard scholars, who have not worked on climate problems, to do so. Faculty interested in the Climate Research Clusters program should note an upcoming deadline for concepts on April 1, 2024.