Past Student Fellows
Elena Sobrino
- PhD Candidate
- "Honorable Mention", 2020 J-WAFS Fellowships for Water Solutions
- Department of History, Anthropology, Science, Technology, and Society (HASTS)
Elena Sobrino is a PhD candidate in the History, Anthropology, Science, Technology, and Society (HASTS) program at MIT. She uses anthropological methods and science and technology studies (STS) to study the cultural dynamics of water, toxicity, science, and racial capitalism. Before coming to MIT, Elena worked in local crisis management during the Flint water crisis from 2015 to 2016. As assistant director of information and planning with the American Red Cross, she distributed bottled water and filters, worked in volunteer intake, compiled reports and briefings, and also served as a field worker with the Centers for Disease Control as they implemented a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response study to gather information about water access and mental health in Flint households. Prior to coming to MIT, Elena graduated with a BA in cultural anthropology and music from the University of Michigan-Flint.