Kristina Washer's life was cut short, passing from Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) at the age of 30 on June 9, 2025, but her global environmental work made a significant and lasting impact. Kristina is well-respected for her contributions to science, service, and public health.
She is also remembered for her compassion and scholarly commitment to environmental education.
Though her time in the field was limited, Kristina's work spanned six continents. She held various positions and volunteered her time to worthy causes. Those who knew her fondly remember her dedication to healing the world.
Foundation of Excellence
Kristina was born in Bedford, Massachusetts, on March 22, 1995. In high school, she excelled in her studies and was a member of the National Honor Society.
She also participated in the marching band and was on the varsity swim team. These high school achievements were early indicators of Kristina's pursuit of academic excellence and commitment to achieving her goals.
After high school, Kristina attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. She studied cellular and molecular biology and wrote a thesis on evolutionary biology. For her academic achievement, she graduated with honors.
Kristina continued her education at Tufts University, earning her master's in civil and environmental engineering and environmental health. She focused on environmental remediation, public and occupational health, pollution's impact on communities, and ecological risk management.
Recognizing her potential and commitment to the environmental field, the university's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering awarded Kristina the prestigious Hanes Endowed Fellowship. In 2022, she stood out among other applicants and was awarded a scholarship from the Licensed Site Professional Association (LSPA) Scholarship fund. Later, Kristina would participate in the Fulbright Program, the United States government's prestigious international education exchange award.
The Global Conservation Adventures
Kristina's environmental work took her worldwide. As a Fulbright Scholar, she traveled to the Galápagos, where she studied ecosystem conservation.
She also traveled to the Turks and Caicos Islands to do marine biology research, and she joined a National Geographic expedition in Mauritius, where she studied the extinct dodo bird as an example of species loss.
Kristina's adventurous spirit led her to work as a Thai divemaster and volunteer at wildlife rehabilitation clinics. A firm believer in education, she tutored students in English and Spanish and promoted environmental education to inspire future scientists and advocates.
The many adventures Kristina experienced worldwide reflected her compassion, courage, and desire to teach others about the importance of environmental science.
She worked as an environmental scientist at various consulting firms, advising on environmental and occupational health issues.
Kristina also specialized in ecological sampling, hazardous waste assessment, and site remediation. Her fieldwork took her across the United States and worldwide, where she led investigations into soil and groundwater contamination and oversaw cleanup operations that complied with EPA guidelines.
Driven by her commitment to the environment, passion for helping others, scientific curiosity, and courageous spirit, Kristina made significant contributions to the environmental sciences and the world.
To view her memorial or pay tribute to her memory, visit the following sites:
View the online memorial for Kristina WASHER
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