GIGI & NEMA
Guardians of the Soil
by Aidyl Gonzalez
An Illustrated Children's Book
Embark on a magical journey with Gigi, a spirited young girl whose garden dreams are thwarted by soil that stubbornly refuses to yield life. In her quest for green thumbs and blooming flowers, Gigi encounters Nema, a mystical guardian of the soil, who reveals the sobering truth about our planet's polluted soil and its far-reaching effects on food and air quality.
As Gigi's eyes open to the global crisis, she is not only enlightened but also empowered. With a newfound determination, she sets out on a mission to inspire and mobilize her community to action. Together, they embark on a transformative crusade to revitalize the health of the soil and air, sparking a vibrant movement that blossoms into a world of flourishing gardens and pristine air.
Environmentally Conscious
Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez, a leading scientist in astrobiology, focuses on STEM education, research accessibility, and social justice. Her innovative research on soil health, microbiomes in extreme environments, and nematode behavior has yielded significant discoveries, including applications for dementia research. As an Outreach Director and advocate for multicultural STEM education, she has fostered inclusive communities and spearheaded initiatives like the Soil Science Citizen Science project.
With 15 years of dedication to Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (JEDI) in STEM, Aidyl has earned recognition for her transformative work. She holds key positions in organizations such as SparkReach Leadership, iGIANT, and STEAM Superheroes, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and advocacy.
A NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory Solar System Ambassador since 2018, Aidyl is also a member of the Explorers Club and has been named one of the Fifty People Changing the World. She champions citizen science and environmental empathy, driving collective action through her pioneering efforts.