Rising sea levels, extreme weather patterns, severe drought, and disappearing glaciers all have one thing in common: global climate change. Regardless of who we are or what we do, we all face this challenge and its potential consequences together. Backed by a strong academic background, leadership skills, and experience in impactful projects related to climate change, my goal is to make a difference in the world by developing sustainable technologies.

Being an agent of change starts with having a strong educational foundation. As one of the top students in the country’s highest ranked civil engineering program, I have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence while pursuing my passion for environmental change. I am specializing in environmental engineering with a focus on energy, water, and environmental sustainability within civil engineering.

This past summer I worked and lived in Japan at the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research under the mentorship of professor Tatsumi Ishihara, conducting research on fuel cells with the goal of optimizing their efficiency. Through an electrochemical process, fuel cells have a wide range of applications, including being used to store or generate electricity without resorting to fossil fuels. While abroad, I formed invaluable international connections working on a culturally diverse team, and learned a great deal about the progress of fuel cell technologies.

Currently, I am working as an assistant to professor Tami Bond, a recognized world leader in research on climate change relative to carbon emissions. Under this professor’s mentorship, I am analyzing air quality samples from developing countries around the world to improve our understanding of how energy use affects global climate change.

I also channel my passion for environmental change towards real-world applications. I recently was selected to be an intern at a rising tech startup called Touch Light Innovations. I am part of a project team that is integrating renewable energy production in a sustainable solution for cityscapes. Using piezoelectric technology, the product is able to generate electricity to power a building from the weight of people walking over tiles installed in the floor. Such implementation further contributes to the move away from fossil fuels and towards alternative energy sources.

Outside of academics and work, I have developed leadership and management skills through my elected role of Chapter Treasurer for over 200 members of the Alpha Omicron Pi fraternity, and as Chapter President (and formerly Treasurer) of the academic honor society Order of Omega. Pushing myself to excel at the responsibilities of these leadership positions, I have further developed my interpersonal skills and learned about their importance in one’s ability to be a strong leader.

I am confident that with my academic background, strong work ethic, and success at working with others, I will both be able to achieve my dreams and distinguish myself as a leader amongst my peers. By pursuing my passion, I have had the opportunity to participate in very exciting projects, and know that as I continue to learn and grow, the possibilities are endless for my future career. Though I know many young adults share the lofty goal of making a difference in the world, I believe that with your support, and if we all work together, we can truly have an impact when it comes to global climate change.