by Colin Powell School
Bridging Worlds: Goongoon’s Journey from Bangladesh to Environmental Justice in NYC
As Goongoon prepares to graduate from the City College of New York (CCNY), she reflects on a journey that has taken her from the climate-vulnerable landscapes of Bangladesh to the heart of New York City, where she’s worked to merge engineering and sociology in the fight for a more sustainable, equitable world.
A double major in Environmental Engineering and Sociology, Goongoon brings an interdisciplinary lens to everything she does. Born and raised in Bangladesh, she moved to New York with her family a decade ago. The transition between these two places—one grappling with rising seas and monsoon unpredictability, the other vulnerable to extreme weather events and structural inequality—sparked a desire to study climate change not only through science, but through the lens of justice.
Two years ago, she re-founded the CCNY chapter of the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA), and currently serves as its president. Through this student organization, she has helped spread awareness about water quality management and environmental sustainability across the CCNY community.
From conducting field research in the remote tundras of Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta to analyzing water quality at CCNY’s Environmental Engineering Lab, Goongoon has sought out opportunities to deepen her understanding of environmental systems. Her private-sector internships have further allowed her to explore the real-world complexities of NYC’s industrial emissions and water infrastructure. After graduation, she will begin her career as an environmental engineer in the water industry.
Outside of her academic and professional life, Goongoon finds joy in the quieter corners of the city—its galleries, green spaces, and creative outlets.
On Gratitude and Growth: A Message from Goongoon
“Throughout my time at CCNY, I’ve been deeply grateful for the resources provided by the Colin Powell School (CPS), which made it possible for me to pursue an interdisciplinary education that blends engineering with the social sciences.”
It all began with a summer Sociology course after Goongoon’s freshman year—an experience that revealed just how well the field complemented her engineering studies. What started as a minor soon evolved into a second major, thanks in part to her involvement in the 2022–2023 Climate Policy Fellowship. The fellowship helped her recognize how social and environmental policy can—and must—go hand in hand.
Her time in the Sociology Department has been particularly meaningful. Courses like Dr. Chen’s Sociological Research Methods not only deepened her academic understanding but also shaped her post-graduation plans. Classes in the Sociology of Mental Health, Love and Relationships, and Work & Family offered valuable insights that she carries into her personal life. And the Housing and Community Development course profoundly impacted her perspective on climate resilience, helping her see how housing infrastructure plays a vital role in urban environmental planning.
“These are lessons I plan to take with me into the next chapter of my life,” she says, “as I build a career dedicated to environmental justice, community resilience, and sustainable infrastructure.”
Looking Ahead
As she moves forward into the professional world, Goongoon’s story is a testament to the power of combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the human experience. Her journey—shaped by geography, passion, and the support of institutions like CPS and the Sociology Department—embodies what it means to be a changemaker in the 21st century.
Whether in the field, in the lab, or in the fabric of her community, Goongoon is ready to build a future that honors both where she comes from and where she’s going.
