From a young age, space has fascinated me. The many unknown and undiscovered facets that envelop our planet inspires me to further my understanding of how the fundamental laws of the universe affect it on a macro scale. Since I was a toddler, I loved to watch space shows such as Space’s Deepest Secrets and Cosmos. I currently plan to major in astrophysics and have explored this field through leading and participating in research and activities including leading a NASA TechRise winning team, completing a science fair project simulating the effects of the heat transfer from a satellite-based solar collector to orbital debris, developing a machine-learning algorithm that determines the exoplanet characteristics given transit data, and co-founding a theoretical physics club at my sending school.

Sports and athletics have always played a large role in my life. I’ve found that sports serve as an outlet for me to clear my head and enable me to be more prepared for the challenges that life and school bring. I started swimming around the age of 2, and have been on competitive swim teams since I was six, including Greenwood, Evolution, Bryant Bulldogs, and the Stingrays. I was also on the Worcester Academy Varsity Boys swim team for my four years at the school, serving as co-captain of the team during my sophomore year. As soon as the pandemic allowed, I took up crew and rowing quickly became another favorite sport of mine; I served as co-captain for the Worcester Academy crew team during my sophomore year. You’ll find me on the water five days a week as I continue to row through the Lake Quinsigamond Rowing Club.

During the pandemic, when many team sports were put on hold, I discovered boxing. Boxing is a true escape for me. The intricacies of the footwork and the almost chess-like nature of needing to anticipate moves provides a true mental escape for me. I do feel the need to point out that I do not hit anyone in the ring (that’s not for me); I only hit the pads.

ECOTARIUM: In 2022, I became a volunteer at the Curator’s Workshop at the Ecotarium educating visitors on natural artifacts through presentations and answering their questions. I work to engage children and introduce the scientific method by asking them questions. This unique environment allows children to touch, hold and ask questions about a variety of artifacts including fossils, shells, and bones. Volunteering at the Ecotarium has allowed me to share my passion for science with children and gives me the opportunity to help them find and encourage their own curiosity. I’ve learned a lot about how to vary my communication style to keep children of different ages and interest levels engaged.

MEDLIFE: Over the summer in 2021, I was fortunate enough to volunteer with MEDLIFE and help contribute to the organization's work focused on alleviating the effects of the public health crisis in Peru exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. I created a campaign to educate school-age children on the importance of vaccination. I was responsible for organizing and administering a social media fundraising campaign, raising over $2000 to combat food insecurity in Peru. This experience enlightened me on how fortunate I am to have easy access to medical care and the many things I may take for granted in my everyday life such as having balanced meals each day.