WELCOME TO TLALLI SCIENCE
Student-led Initiative and Nonprofit Foundation in Formation
About Tlalli Science
Foundation in Formation
Tlalli Science is a developing nonprofit initiative advancing conservation, medicine, and scientific education by centering Nahua and Mesoamerican knowledge and empowering Indigenous men, women, and children through research, storytelling, and stewardship. The mission is based in a future where Indigenous knowledge guides scientific innovation and planetary health. Our goal is to serve and support Indigenous communities across the Americas.
About The Project
Science; Conservation; Outreach
I started Tlalli Science as a way to orient myself and begin my journey as a developing student, scientist, founder, and teenage girl. I love our beautiful planet, and I'm passionate about science, our Indigenous history and culture, and helping others. My website/blog is where I express that love through writing! In more ways than one, I am hopeful that I can successfully turn this project into something more than just a blog or initiative; I want this to be a place where I refine my mission and purpose, and hopefully encourage others to do the same.
In doing so, I will do everything in my power to make sure that this page is human. In a growing world, artificial intelligence can be an incredible tool. But for students and young people like me, I strongly believe that we should choose to develop ourselves as powerful and intelligent readers and writers before leaning on a crutch like AI.
Lastly, I am so proud of these photos on my page. I will do my best to make sure that any pictures I use are also my own. This one was taken in Puerto Rico. If you couldn't tell, I loved it!
About The Founder
My name is Tlalli Duran
My name, Tlalli, is probably the most interesting thing about me, and I am so proud of it. It means "earth" in Nahuatl, an indigenous language with roots in Mexico. I have always struggled with my name and identity as a mixed person, but I have grown to love the things about me that make me different. I use my name in my website and initiative not just out of pride but because of it's multifaceted meaning- Earth, biology, land, the color green, my Indigenousness, the ancestors, and the beautiful people who live on our planet. It just suited everything so well, and it uniquely represents everything this initiative stands for and is intended to protect.
I was born in Camarillo, California, and I am eighteen years old as of October. I love to read, write, travel, bake, be outside, and most of all, learn about our planet. In this picture to the left, I was volunteering with MERITO, a nonprofit organization based in Ventura, CA, that focuses on environmental awareness and marine conservation (hence the wetsuit). I am currently a student at Clemson University majoring in Microbiology- Biomedicine. I plan on attending medical school after I graduate, but in the mean time, I'm exploring multiple different career paths.
I'm a devote activist; my biggest inspiration for starting this blog was to organize myself as an activist with a purpose. My purpose, while I'm still finding it, has become a bit more clear throughout my life. I love the Earth, I love people, and I truly want to make a difference. Throughout my education I have done research, worked with various nonprofits and organizations, and traveled in hopes of enlightening myself of the workings around me. My goal is to give back as much as I can. From my degree to the blog posts I write in my free time, I pour myself into everything that I do.
Most of all, I want to have fun, and I absolutely love writing. I hope whomever reads my posts enjoys them as much as I do!
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
-Nelson Mandela
Programs
1
Indigenous Science & Medicine Storytelling
Tlalli Science creates original, Indigenous-led science and medicine storytelling that centers Nahua and Mesoamerican perspectives. Through writing, microscopy imagery, and accessible science education, this program connects biological research, health equity, and Indigenous knowledge to modern medicine and conservation.
2
Conservation & Living Systems Education
This program explores Earth as a living system through conservation science, environmental storytelling, and visual education through social media. Drawing from Indigenous ecological knowledge and firsthand field experiences, Tlalli Science highlights the interconnectedness of land, water, organisms, and human health.
3
Youth Futures in Science & Medicine
Youth Futures in Science & Medicine is a developing program focused on inspiring Indigenous and underrepresented youth to pursue science, medicine, and conservation. Through educational content, representation, and future mentorship initiatives, this program builds pathways toward careers in health and research.
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CONTACT ME
Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or suggestions for future blogs!
(864)-556-1839
