From a young age, I was surrounded by science, growing up in a household of two scientists who instilled in me a deep curiosity about the world. My parents, both microbiologists, were always discussing the latest research or solving real-world problems together, creating a home where questions and exploration were encouraged. Their group of friends, who we affectionately referred to as “The Nerds,” were also graduate students, sparking a lively environment for intellectual curiosity. I’ve always been driven by questions that seek to understand the world around us—whether it was pondering how worms can still move after being split in half as a toddler or now considering more complex issues, such as the impact of increasing hurricane occurrences on animal populations or how we can mimic trees’ chemical processes to create rainfall in drought-prone areas. These questions have led me to pursue environmental engineering, a field where I believe I can blend scientific curiosity with practical solutions for pressing global challenges. Understanding the nature of our universe is not just about satisfying our own intellectual curiosity—it is about using that knowledge to address the challenges we face today and into the future. As we grapple with climate change, habitat destruction, and resource depletion, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent. I am particularly passionate about tackling issues related to water pollution and habitat destruction, both of which have profound impacts on our environment and on human populations. By understanding the chemical and physical properties of pollutants and natural systems, we can design engineering solutions that protect ecosystems and provide sustainable resources for communities. I hope to use the concepts of chemical engineering, environmental science, and systems thinking to create solutions that are not only effective but also accessible to people all over the world. Throughout my life, I’ve actively sought ways to help address environmental sustainability, from small, direct interactions within my community to larger-scale initiatives. One of my earliest experiences was working with a local family to design a maintenance plan for their 20-acre forest in Western Maryland, which I learned about through the Natural Resources Career Camp. The goal was to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of their forest, an effort I hope will help preserve the land for future generations. Similarly, I’ve developed camp activities for young Girl Scouts that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship, fostering an early awareness in children about the importance of taking care of the planet. On a larger scale, I interned with my school district’s Sustainability and Compliance division, where I contributed to a proposal for an educational urban farm in a food desert. This farm will not only provide nutritious food to an underserved community but will also serve as a long-term educational resource for children to learn how to grow their own food sustainably. Additionally, my research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology focused on the impact of tornadoes on critical infrastructure, helping to develop safer building standards that can protect communities from extreme weather events. These experiences have shown me the value of taking knowledge and applying it in practical, impactful ways. Whether it’s empowering young girls to become environmental stewards or contributing to national efforts to improve infrastructure, I have learned that the fulfillment I receive from solving these challenges comes from making a real difference, regardless of the scale. The universe, with all its complexity and interconnectivity, offers endless opportunities for discovery. My goal is to contribute to that discovery by applying my knowledge of environmental systems to create solutions that support both human populations and the environment in sustainable ways.

Giving back to my community has always been a core part of who I am. Since second grade, I have been actively involved in the Girl Scouts, where I have had the privilege of contributing to various projects and initiatives aimed at making a positive impact. From organizing community gardening projects and clean-up efforts to raising money for Christmas gifts and hosting Trunk-a-Treat events for local children, I’ve always sought ways to help my community thrive. These experiences have instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to empower others, particularly young girls, to become confident and capable individuals. As a Girl Scout Ambassador for the past three years, I’ve had the unique opportunity to create and lead workshops that focus on developing practical skills and fostering self-confidence in middle school girls. Whether it’s teaching cookie entrepreneurship, managing household finances, learning taxes, or acquiring practical skills like woodworking or car maintenance, I am dedicated to equipping girls with the tools they need to become assertive and independent. By introducing them to these real-world skills, I strive to create a foundation for them to succeed in whatever path they choose. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch these girls gain confidence and a sense of empowerment as they learn how to navigate life’s challenges. I am passionate about advocating for young girls and educating those around me on the importance of self-reliance and resourcefulness. In addition to empowering girls through practical workshops, I am also committed to ensuring that children in my community are safe, both in person and online. Bullying—whether in the form of in-person harassment or cyberbullying—has become a growing issue for many young people. To help address this, I’ve worked with local educators and organizations to raise awareness about bullying and provide tools for children to protect themselves. I’ve organized workshops where we discuss how to handle bullying situations, the importance of empathy, and how to create inclusive environments where every child feels respected. In the digital age, cyberbullying has become a pervasive problem. To help combat this, I have collaborated with community groups to offer resources to parents and teachers, educating them on how to recognize the signs of cyberbullying and how to support children who may be experiencing it. I’ve also mentored younger girls, teaching them how to stay safe online, maintain their privacy, and recognize harmful behavior. By empowering young people with this knowledge, I hope to create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone in my community. As I look toward higher education, I am acutely aware of the financial challenges that come with it. While I am excited to continue my studies and community involvement, the cost of college presents a significant barrier for my family and me. This scholarship would provide invaluable financial support, enabling me to focus on my academic goals and continue my community advocacy without the burden of financial strain. It would allow me to deepen my work with organizations like the Girl Scouts and pursue further opportunities to empower young girls and promote safety within my community. In conclusion, my commitment to empowering young girls through Girl Scouts and my dedication to creating a safer environment for children both in person and online are integral to who I am. With the financial support this scholarship provides, I will be able to further my education and continue advocating for the safety, empowerment, and well-being of young people. I am excited about the opportunity to make an even greater impact and continue growing as a leader who advocates for positive change in my community.

For me, success is defined by the positive impact I can make on the world, particularly through sustainable practices that benefit both my community and the environment. Whether through local projects or larger-scale research, I find fulfillment in helping to create solutions that contribute to the long-term health of our planet and the well-being of its people. This journey of fostering environmental stewardship has motivated me to seek opportunities that allow me to continue growing and expanding my impact to benefit, through education, advocacy, and action, the community around me. This $20,000 scholarship will serve as a pivotal step in achieving my vision of success by providing the financial support I need to amplify my efforts. My success starts with any impact toward environmental sustainability big or small, short or long term, that meaningfully enriches my community. I’ve dedicated my summers to this success by helping my community find sustainability solutions in many different aspects fo day-to-day life. For example, I had small impacts by direct interaction with my local members of my immediate community. One summer, I applied knowledge from the Natural Resources Career Camp to help a local family design a maintenance plan for their 20-acre forest in Western Maryland. My hope is that this plan will support and protect their forest for future generations. Similarly, I developed camp activities to empower young Girl Scouts to take action for sustainability that I feel will help them be better environmental stewards. I also have had larger impacts, working as an intern at my school district’s Sustainability and Compliance division. I developed a proposal for an educational urban farm in a food desert, which is under construction now and will be used long-term to teach children skills to grow their own nutritious food. It is extremely gratifying to know that I contributed to this amazing project! On an even larger scale, my research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to document tornado impacts for >500 critical infrastructure buildings and show that garages are most susceptible to damage will inform safer building standards for critical infrastructure and protect many people's lives across the USA. Through these experiences, I have learned the fulfillment I receive from helping others, regardless of scale. I am warmed by the faces of the excited girls learning about a passion of mine, and proud of the plan I made to preserve that forest. I am also delighted I could contribute to solving a food desert, creating a self-sufficient and long-lasting solution sustained by the community. Finally, on a national scale, I am excited to see the results of my efforts to prepare our nation’s infrastructure for more recurrent severe weather, especially with the changing climate. This fulfillment has inspired and motivated me to continue on a career path to do things that improve my local and global community. As I reflect on my path and aspirations, success is not just about personal achievement, but about creating lasting, meaningful change in the world around me. This $20,000 scholarship will play a crucial role in helping me further my education and deepen my involvement in sustainability, providing the resources necessary to refine my skills, expand my knowledge, and connect with others who share my mission. By leveraging this opportunity, I can continue to pursue my passion for sustainability and contribute to both local and global solutions. Ultimately, success for me is measured by the positive, enduring impact I can have, and this scholarship will be instrumental in helping me achieve that goal.