Peter Nunez

Something About Me

Born and raised in Visalia, in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, I am a fourth year Environmental Studies Major pursuing a B.S. at UCSB. Inspired by my Puerto Rican heritage, I have always been drawn to the historical, cultural, and spiritual resonance of the natural world. I plan to work with communities to address environmental injustices, strengthening their individual and collective resilience through education and engagement with their local ecosystems. Through a shared acknowledgement of the privileges we hold as individuals and as communities, I intend to spread awareness of the impacts of climate change and build our collective ability to find solutions. I dream of a world where compassion and empathy are valued over affluence and materialism and know that this beautiful new world must start with my own environmental activism. 

In addition to my academic studies, I work as a news reporter for the UCSB Daily Nexus, am on the Environmental Affairs Board, and am a student representative for the Masculinities Project, a mental health resource collective. During the 2023-’24 school year, I worked in the External Vice President of Statewide Affairs’ Office as a campaign coordinator for Students Enacting Environmental Defense(SEED), implementing cultural reform by raising student awareness of native plants and practices, volunteering in campus gardens, and hosting teach-ins. In the summer of ‘24, I interned with the Santa Barbara County Trails Council, developing my skills in environmental advocacy, community organization, trail maintenance and ecosystem restoration.  In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, thrifting, swimming, interior design, and playing with my cat, Coco.