Personal Inspiration

My involvement in the Technology Student Association (TSA) provided a foundation for combining technical skill with leadership. Through competing in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and others, I developed problem-solving abilities while learning to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Being named Most Competitive Middle School Student at William T. Reed validated that preparation and dedication could translate into meaningful achievement. Later, as Regional Parliamentarian, I coordinate officer meetings, ensured procedural transparency, and supported TSA chapters in organizing initiatives that encouraged student innovation and participation. By helping students across Virginia access STEM competitions and programs, I learned firsthand how leadership coupled with technical expertise can broaden the reach of educational opportunities, fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and inclusion.

I focused on mentorship to bridge the gap between knowledge and opportunity. As Co-President of the Math Club and co-founder of the Society for Scientific Research, I created programs that helped students connect mathematical theory with experimentation, data with discovery, and abstract concepts with real-world applications.

My work at Richmond Institute for Technology and Science (RITS) involved guiding students through AI and machine learning principles, supervising hands-on projects, and troubleshooting technical challenges, ensuring participants could achieve results comparable to professional research. Coordinating a faculty panel featuring professors from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond allowed students to interact directly with university-level research, sparking interest in higher education STEM pathways. By contributing to the camp’s impact report, I was able to quantify student outcomes, demonstrating that structured mentorship programs measurably improve understanding, engagement, and confidence in technical disciplines.

Research has been a critical avenue through which I’ve transformed curiosity into tangible solutions. As a Technological Development Correspondent for the Perrin Research Institution, I authored articles on frontier technologies and co-authored a paper on technology-enhanced learning accessibility, effectively translating highly technical content into actionable insights for educators and policymakers.

Through the VCU Student Research Opportunities (SRO) program, I designed a proposal on Magnetic Tunnel Junction-based Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) to improve IoT security by reducing thermal noise and enhancing randomness, combining theoretical modeling with computational simulations. Participation in the Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) and Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) programs exposed me to mission design challenges and NASA-aligned projects, resulting in technical reports and simulations that mirrored real-world aerospace engineering problems. These experiences reinforced how rigorous research not only advances technical knowledge but also creates opportunities for students to engage in applied STEM, fostering skills that directly inform civic and societal progress.

Mentorship and engagement have been consistent threads throughout my leadership journey. As a Richmond Debate Institute Camp Instructor, I taught middle school students critical thinking, argumentation, and public speaking, helping them develop confidence and advocacy skills that extended beyond the classroom.

As a Kumon Senior Tutor, I guided younger students in math and English, helping them navigate complex problems with patience and curiosity while fostering an enthusiasm for learning. Leading outreach as Head of Communications and Engagement for Freax, a mental health organization, I developed campaigns that connected innovation, education, and wellness, reaching hundreds of students and educators and creating measurable community impact.

Within my school, roles as Co-Captain of the Speech & Debate Team, Secretary of the Math Club, Senior Editor of the Jabberwock School Newspaper, and Chair of GSMUN allowed me to cultivate inclusive environments where students could experiment, collaborate, and amplify their voices. Across all of these experiences, I have seen how structured mentorship and proactive leadership can directly increase participation, improve understanding, and strengthen peer networks.

Bridging STEM with policy has allowed me to leverage technical expertise for broader societal impact. As a Legislative & Policy Oversight Analyst for Whitestone Legislative Advocacy, I drafted shadow reports, tracked international resolutions, and evaluated compliance mechanisms, contributing to advocacy efforts that promoted equitable access to education and technology.

Serving as a PIVOT Economic Fellow, I conducted research on technology-related policy, producing actionable recommendations that informed local initiatives to improve access and equity in STEM education. My work with AI Ready RVA integrated technical analysis with policy planning, supporting Richmond’s prospective AI education initiatives in ways that ensured cutting-edge tools were accessible and impactful for diverse communities. These experiences taught me that connecting STEM knowledge with civic engagement can transform systemic challenges into practical solutions, empowering communities and informing policy decisions with evidence-based insights.