Elena Sobrino

Elena Sobrino is a student affiliated with the Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (J-WAFS) community and a PhD candidate in the history, anthropology, science, technology and society (HASTS) programme at MIT.

Elena uses anthropological methods and science and technology studies to study the cultural dynamics of water, toxicity, science and racial capitalism. Before joining MIT, Elena worked in local crisis management during the Flint, Michigan water crisis from 2015 to 2016. As assistant director of information and planning with the American Red Cross, she distributed bottled water and filters, worked in volunteer intake, compiled reports and briefings and also served as a field worker with the Centers for Disease Control as they implemented a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response study to gather information about water access and mental health in Flint households.

Elena graduated with a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology and music from the University of Michigan-Flint.