As a trail runner, soil scientist and member of the Huichol (Wixaritari) and Pascua Yaqui (Yoeme) Tribe, she undertook a 50-mile run through the Sonoran Desert, her ancestral homelands, to honour 50 Indigenous scientists and knowledge keepers who came before her. Her run was documented in the short film Run to be Visible.

Since then, Lydia has continued to dedicate herself to environmental science and the vital role of Indigenous Peoples in ecological spaces. In 2022, Lydia ran the Boston Marathon to highlight the #LandBack movement for the reclamation of Indigenous stewardship and land relations. She has also teamed up with two fellow soil scientists, Dr Yamina Pressler and Dr Karen Vaughn, for the project ‘Will Run for Soil’, which aims to inspire the next generation of soil scientists and climate champions. In 2025 you’ll be able to watch a feature-length film on the 135-mile desert run they undertook to showcase the beauty of soils. Lydia also mentors runners to use their passion of running and outdoor recreation to develop climate advocacy solutions through Footprints Running Camp, and as a professor in Environmental Studies at Darmouth College. Find out more on Lydia’s website, Instagram or on X.