Daniel Kahl is a PhD student at the University of California, Irvine and works under the guidance of Dr. Brett Sanders in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department. Currently, his research focuses on flood modeling and coastal beach dynamics. Kahl’s personal STEM journey starts off as a young wide-eyed kid hoping to immerse oneself within nature and the ocean. Upon adolescence, he studied marine biology at UCSD and quickly obtained experience working as a consultant for a marine biologist firm. However, his thirst for answers had not been quenched as he began to pursue higher education to learn more about the intersection between engineering and environmental issues. Currently at UCI, Kahl is a part of two different research projects focusing on environmental issues. The first, flood modeling, works to implement large-scale models to increase accuracy of potential risks for residents in LA county. He advocates that many do not understand the sheer complexity of flood modeling and the factors that play into such natural disasters The second, coastal erosion, utilizes satellite and radar technology to incorporate coastal findings into modern-day research. He also mentions that a common misconception of the beaches here in Southern California is that they were actually dredged up and artificially built as a part of a campaign in the 40s. In terms of general climate crisis knowledge, Kahl emphasizes the importance of exposure of such information in a positive light to kids of a young age. It is important to paint these situations in a light that incites hope for the future. Also, he introduced the idea of involving a stakeholder project for kids to learn about the different factors that come to play in modern-day climate crises. To give final words, Daniel Kahl points out the local impact that climate change has on communities. For instance, the presence of forever chemicals that have tarnished water wells here in Southern California. He stresses that it is important to teach kids that not only does climate change and environmental issues play a role on the global stage, but also in the hearts of the communities in which they live.