My name is Emma, but almost everyone calls me “Em.” I like that—it seems friendly and down-to-earth. I try to bring that same feeling into every corner of my life.

Mary Oliver’s line reminds me daily that time is a gift. I want to devote mine to protecting the planet that sustains us all. My goal is to become a climate scientist and policy advocate who helps communities adapt to a changing world while preserving its beauty and biodiversity.

I’m inspired by the quiet courage of people who do hard things without applause—teachers who stay after class, scientists who persist after failed experiments, friends who listen deeply. Books such as 'Braiding Sweetgrass' and 'The Overstory' remind me that science and empathy can coexist beautifully.

Curiosity drives almost everything I do. I love understanding how systems—ecological, social, or technological—interconnect. Nothing excites me more than turning knowledge into solutions that make life better for people and the planet.

My role models include Nelson Mandela for his forgiveness, Thích Nhất Hạnh for his peace, and Jane Goodall for her lifelong compassion toward animals and people alike. They remind me that real change grows from patience and love.

“Leave every place better than you found it.” Whether that means a trail, a team project, or a friendship, I try to make improvement my habit.

“The future will either be green or not at all.” — Bob Brown. It keeps me focused on both hope and urgency.

I’m a junior majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Psychology at Northeastern University. I study algae-based biofuels as an alternative energy source in Dr. Henderson’s lab, and I have a special interest in how human behavior affects sustainable adoption.

I interned at the United Nations Foundation, where I helped evaluate youth climate-education initiatives. More recently, I joined Changing The Present as a Senior Environmental Intern. The work taught me how policy, technology, and compassion intersect—and how much impact a small team can have when the mission is clear.

Dean’s List every semester • Recipient of the University Environmental Research Grant • Sorority Member of the Year • Campus Sustainability Leadership Award

I envision helping design climate-resilient cities where environmental justice and innovation go hand in hand—places where clean energy, green jobs, and biodiversity are not luxuries but shared realities.

Balancing two part-time jobs, research, and leadership roles has taught me discipline and optimism. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself why I started: because the planet is worth the effort.

During my first year, I doubted whether I belonged in science. Advanced calculus nearly convinced me I didn’t. Instead of quitting, I sought tutoring, took advantage of office hours, and learned that persistence outperforms talent when talent doubts itself.

Presenting my first research poster at a national sustainability conference. Standing beside professionals I once admired from afar, I realized I was part of the conversation, not just listening to it.

As founder of two student organizations and a department representative in Student Senate, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about trust, empowerment, and creating space for others to shine.

Research • Data Analytics (Python, R) • Academic Writing • Public Speaking • Project Management • Empathy • Teamwork

Design Thinking • Systems Modeling • Persuasive Communication • Grant Writing • GIS Mapping

Fluent in French, conversational in Spanish, and learning Italian. Languages open doors—not just to new places but to new ways of seeing the world.

I start each day by journaling one thing I’m grateful for and one thing I can do better. Evenings often end with a walk or music instead of screens. Small rituals keep me centered and creative.

I’m endlessly grateful for mentors who believed in me, friends who challenge me kindly, and a family that celebrates effort more than outcome.

As Vice President of the Wildlife and Conservation Club, I organize clean-ups and educational hikes. I’m also secretary of my sorority, where we lead sustainability initiatives across campus.

I’m goalkeeper for our undefeated club soccer team and co-captain of my intramural tennis team. Sports remind me how collaboration and resilience look in motion.

My community includes roommates who feel like sisters, professors who mentor with kindness, and friends who show up for each other. They make the university feel like a shared adventure.

I mentor first-year students through our Environmental Scholars Program, helping them navigate research, classes, and balance. Seeing their confidence grow is deeply rewarding.

Photography and writing are my twin outlets. Through a camera lens or a short story, I try to capture the quiet resilience of people and nature.

Music is how I recharge. I’ve played guitar and keyboards since middle school and sometimes perform with friends at campus cafés. Our influences range from Clapton to Hozier. I’m also teaching myself flute—slowly but joyfully. Whether listening or playing, music keeps me connected to emotion and rhythm.

'Silent Spring' by Rachel Carson awakened my environmental conscience, and 'Educated' by Tara Westover taught me the power of knowledge to transform a life. I also love the poetry of Mary Oliver and essays by James Baldwin for their honesty and moral clarity.

I love documentaries that explore people’s creativity, such as 'Abstract: The Art of Design', or nature, such as 'Chasing Ice', as well as movies that mix humor with heart, such as 'The Martian' and 'Hidden Figures.' I unwind with music festivals or a good mystery series.

Gaming has been more than just a pastime for me; it’s a dynamic arena where strategy, teamwork, and creativity converge. Whether leading a raiding party in an MMORPG or analyzing game mechanics, I’ve honed skills that transcend the screen. My strategic thinking, adaptability, and ability to collaborate with diverse players mirror the qualities I bring to academic pursuits and leadership roles. Aspiring to design games that inspire others, I’ve even dabbled in coding my own indie projects. Gaming isn’t just entertainment—it’s a canvas for growth and innovation.

This American Life

Taco the rescue dog and Tofu the cat keep me humble and happy. Caring for them taught me patience and responsibility. Volunteering at our local animal shelter, where I used my Spanish skills to help expand their outreach to underserved communities, deepened my empathy and commitment to service.

New York City • Boston • Boulder. Each place shaped my pace, my taste, and my sense of possibility.

Yosemite • Cozumel • Aspen • Paris • Alaska. Every trip reminded me that beauty and fragility often share the same landscape.

Patagonia • New Zealand • Iceland • Kenya • Bhutan. I hope to visit places where conservation and culture coexist in harmony.

I’m the oldest of seven siblings, which taught me patience, diplomacy, and leadership before I ever had a title for it. Family keeps me grounded and reminds me why every small act of care matters.

Our generation is redefining success as service. I believe the best measure of a life is the good it leaves behind.

Environment • Climate Change • Animal Welfare • Education Access • Women in STEM

The Sierra Club • ASPCA • World Wildlife Fund • 350.org • Save the Elephants • Girls Who Code

Africa • Central America • South Asia • Ireland • United States

CA: San Diego–Chula Vista–Carlsbad • DC: Washington–Arlington–Alexandria • MA: Boston–Cambridge–Newton • NY: New York–Newark–Jersey City

African American • Latino • Native American

Buddhist • Catholic • Native American Religions

Sustainability begins at home: I’m vegan, bike to campus, and avoid single-use plastics. I’ve also helped my sorority transition to a zero-waste kitchen. It feels good to align daily life with my values.

I volunteer weekly at our community garden and spend summers abroad with wildlife-protection teams. Planting trees, rescuing animals, and teaching children about conservation remind me that service is both local and global.

Last year, our sorority raised $4,500 for Children’s National Hospital through Thon, our campus dance-a-thon, and $12,000 for the Sierra Club.

I love the idea of giving meaning instead of stuff. A charitable wish list lets friends and family donate to causes we care about (in my case, that is climate action, education, and animal welfare) instead of buying unneeded presents. It is a much more rewarding way for all of us to show our love. I hope that everyone reading this creates their own charitable wish list and lets me know when they do.