Kara McWest received her Bachelor of Science in Cultural Competency and Security Studies (focus on Sub-Saharan African and European cultures) at Angelo State University, followed by a Master of Science in Security Studies, also at Angelo State University. She is a biocultural and ecological anthropologist under the advisement of Dr. Elizabeth Holdsworth. Kara's current research studies how climate change-induced insecurities (a wicked problem) affect the family unit, starting with how water insecurity affects maternal health and early lactation in Tanzania. The goal of this research is to raise awareness of wicked problems around the globe, and to encourage the generation of innovative solutions.