Brenda Guzmán, DrPH, PMP, focuses on environmental health, climate change, and social vulnerability in tropical island contexts. Her doctoral research, “Heat-related risk perception, vulnerability, and behaviors among residents of Puerto Rico during the summer of 2020,” examined how demographic, health, and environmental factors shape risk perception and coping behaviors during extreme heat events. Findings underscore the role of chronic conditions, previous heat exposure, and regional disparities in influencing perceived vulnerability, with implications for public health and climate adaptation strategies in tropical island settings. She is particularly interested in field-based research on heat exposure, community resilience, and environmental justice. With over 25 years of professional experience in environmental consulting and project management, she integrates applied knowledge with a research agenda focused on equitable climate adaptation for vulnerable populations.