Following the Mission: Finding Purpose at the Intersection of Science and Public Safety

May 18, 2026 | CCST Newsroom, CCST S&T Policy Fellows

Originally published in “Inside Cal OES.” Written by Isabella Sardo, Analyst II, Organizational Performance Management, Cal OES

About Cara

Cara is a Bay Area native, born and raised in Oakland, California. Her parents are immigrants from China, and she is a first-generation college student. Cara attended the University of California, Berkeley for both undergraduate and graduate studies, where she studied Integrative Biology. During Cara’s PhD, her research focused on chemicals and pharmaceuticals in the environment that mimic reproductive hormones in the body and how they may contribute to the development of hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer. As a 2026 CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellow, Cara is placed in the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) and is currently assisting in integrating EEW capabilities with streaming services and other private sector platforms in California.

What drew you to Cal OES?

Cal OES was not on my radar initially. As part of the fellowship, there are meet-and-greet sessions with potential mentors, which is where I met my manager, Phillip Labra. I had a strong feeling that we would work well together, and I trusted my instincts.

Cara He with her supervisor, Phillip Labra, at the Cal OES headquarters.

What about EEW?

During the placement interviews, Phillip made it clear that he values input from his team. He invited a team member to share their experience working on the team, which I really appreciated. It also stood out to me that there was a clearly defined project I would be working toward during my time here.

What projects are you currently working on with EEW?

My primary project focuses on integrating Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) capabilities with streaming services and other private-sector platforms. I am also working on managing EEW sensors that are connected through the microwave telemetry network. Overall, these projects allow me to work at the intersection of technology, policy, and public safety, with a shared goal of strengthening California’s ability to deliver timely, life-saving information to the public.

Cara at her Cal OES cubicle next to a Tsunami Program poster.

How has your experience with Cal OES, EEW, and CCST been so far?

I joined in January, and it already feels like I have been here for much longer (in the best way possible). I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful team and especially thankful for my mentor, Phillip. The entire EEW team, along with the broader Seismic Hazards Branch, has made a real effort to make me feel included. I feel comfortable speaking up, and my opinions are valued. Additionally, what has stood out most is the sense of purpose behind the work. Expanding EEW Earthquake Early Warning capabilities means more people can receive timely alerts. Knowing that this work can help people take protective action and ultimately save lives makes it incredibly meaningful.

Cara (second from right) out for her birthday lunch with her Cal OES EEW colleagues.

Everyone I have met at Cal OES has been generous with their time and deeply committed to public service. As someone new, I initially wondered whether I would feel like I belonged, but that concern quickly disappeared. The culture here is welcoming and mission-driven, and it reinforces the importance of the work we are doing to keep communities safe and connected during emergencies.

I cannot imagine finding my way to Cal OES without CCST. Before the fellowship, I did not fully understand the scope of the agency’s work or its impact. The program has provided not only hands-on policy experience, but also a strong sense of direction for my future. It has shown me how science can directly inform policy and improve people’s lives. The alumni network has also been an incredible source of support and inspiration.

What do you hope to learn or accomplish while with Cal OES as a CCST fellow this year?

One of the most valuable parts of this fellowship has been the sense of fulfillment it brings. Being part of work that has a clear public benefit, helping protect people and improve emergency communication, has been incredibly rewarding. At the same time, the positive and supportive environment has made it a place where I can grow both professionally and personally. I am naturally a very curious person, so I am here to learn as much as I can. I want to better understand how decisions are made, implemented, and funded within government. This experience is shaping how I think about my future and has strengthened my interest in pursuing a career at the intersection of science, policy, and public service.

Prior to Cara, Cal OES has hosted three other CCST fellows:

About the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
The CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows program places PhD-level scientists, engineers, and social scientists in the California State Legislature, State Agencies, and Offices of the Governor for a year of public policy, leadership training, and public service—training scientific thinkers to be policy-savvy, while helping equip California’s decision makers with science-savvy staff. Discover how CCST S&T Policy Fellows make a difference in California’s policy arena and learn how to apply at CCST.us/CCST-Science-Fellows-Program.