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Amelia Laing

3x

Finalist

2x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Choir
  • Advocacy And Activism
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Cooking
  • Environmental Science and Sustainability
  • Food And Eating
  • Knitting
  • Singing
  • Liberal Arts and Humanities
  • Coding And Computer Science
  • Babysitting And Childcare

Reading

  • Historical
  • Realistic Fiction
  • Biography
  • History

I read books daily.

Bio

My name is Amelia and I am blind due to retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer I had when I was young. Because of my blindness, I have always been passionate about people having access to what they need. At my high school, I founded and am president of our Disability Student Union. I have also been a member of numerous equity committees both at school and with Northwest Girlchoir, a choir I have been a member of since fourth grade. My career goal is to contribute to advancing scientific understanding by combining my education with a unique perspective to further research, advocate for greater accessibility in STEM, and show that diversity strengthens scientific understanding. I will work to build a more inclusive scientific community. I have always been deeply curious about the world, and that curiosity drives me as a scientist. It helps me approach problems with creativity and persistence, and it allows me to see possibilities where others might see limitations. This same curiosity guides me as I find ways to access chemistry, a field with relatively few women scientists and even fewer blind scientists. One day, I hope to use my experiences as a chemist and professor to inspire other young people with disabilities to pursue their passions as well. In my free time, I like reading historical fiction and nonfiction, knitting, singing in choir, and hanging out with friends. I live in Seattle with my parents and brother and also enjoy traveling, good food, and visiting new places.

Education

Wellesley College

Bachelor's degree program

2026 – 2030

Ballard High School

High School

2022 – 2026

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
Chemistry, Biological and Physical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
Desired degree modality:
Full-Time, In-Person
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Mentor; conference organizer

    Civic & Social Organization · Washington state Department of Services for the Blind

    Jan 2024 – Jan 2026

  • Paid Intern

    Research · Fred Hutch Cancer Center

    Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Research
Dream career goals:
chemist, researcher, college professor
Work experience:
0 years
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
Amelia Laing Student Profile | Bold.org