Jessica Hernandez
(Binnizá & Maya Ch’orti) Indigenous scientist and best-selling author bridging Indigenous science with climate justice, conservation, and nature-based solutions.
- Role
- Professor at South Seattle College
- Location
- Seattle, WA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Jessica Hernandez
Dr. Jessica Hernandez is a globally recognized Indigenous scientist, climate justice leader, and best-selling author whose groundbreaking work is redefining environmentalism through an Indigenous lens. Rooted in the Pacific Northwest, she bridges Indigenous science, traditional ecological knowledge, and Western frameworks to confront the most urgent environmental crises of our time.She currently serves as the Director of Indigenous Science & Research at Earth Daughters, leading global research initiatives that center Indigenous knowledge systems to inform advocacy, guide policy, and advance climate justice and ecological sustainability.Dr. Hernandez is also the acclaimed author of Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science (2022)—a best-selling, award-winning book shaping global policy, academia, and activism. Her second book, Growing Papaya Trees: Nurturing Indigenous Roots During Climate Displacement (2025), examines climate migration, colonialism, and Indigenous resilience in the face of forced displacement.She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental and Forest Sciences, Master of Marine Affairs (MMA), and Master of Science (MS) in Environmental and Forest Sciences from the University of Washington. In recognition of her visionary leadership, Forbes named her one of the “100 Most Powerful and Influential Women in Central America.” Her thought leadership continues to shape global conversations on decolonizing environmentalism and Indigenous science, with her work featured by NPR, Vox, Teen Vogue, Latino USA, Science Friday, and UN News, among others.
Experience
Professor
Sep 2020 — Present
Teach and develop courses centered on environmental science, sustainability, and climate justice—integrating Indigenous science and land-based knowledge to foster environmental stewardship and critical thinking among students.
Education
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor's degree, Marine Sciences
2014
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Italian Studies
2014
University of Washington
Masters of Marine Affairs
University of Washington School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
Master of Science - MS
2020
University of Washington School of Environmental and Forest Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
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