Hi! My name is Sophia Cestar. I am a senior at Marin Academy in San Rafael, California. STEM classes are consistently the highlight of my academic experience, and the Marin Academy Research Collaborative has allowed me to continue to pursue my passion in science through research. My time in the program has led me to develop my interest in zebrafish heart regeneration. 

Outside of academics, I Co-Captain the Marin Academy Swim team in the spring and swim with the Olympic club team in the offseason. I also play waterpolo for MA. I am passionate about volunteering and teach swimming to underprivileged children with SOMA Aquatics. I lead the first California chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation to raise funding for Type 1 Diabetes research. Additionally, I spent my childhood years in Hong Kong and speak Mandarin. I am a certified sailing instructor and teach in the summer. I also enjoy time at the beach, surfing, hiking, and traveling with my family.