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Keira Boone

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Jiu Jitsu
  • Welding
  • Woodworking
  • Aerial Silks
  • Volunteering
  • Animals
  • Exploring Nature And Being Outside
  • Hiking And Backpacking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Swimming
  • Engineering
  • Robotics
  • Archery
  • Biking And Cycling
  • Cooking
  • Reading
  • Camping
  • Carpentry
  • Board Games And Puzzles
  • Cognitive Science
  • Legos
  • Environmental Science and Sustainability
  • Muay Thai
  • Math
  • Journalism
  • Martial Arts
  • Nutrition and Health
  • Aerospace

Reading

  • Adventure
  • Architecture
  • Biography
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Fantasy
  • Folklore
  • Science Fiction
  • How-To
  • History
  • Psychology
  • Realistic Fiction
  • Sociology
  • Science‎
  • True Story
  • Travel
  • Short Stories
  • Novels
  • Literary Fiction

I read books daily.

Bio

I’m studying Materials Science & Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and am passionate about building above all else! The goal is always to tackle the toughest challenges, question the 'impossible', and do so alongside amazing people. I am very interested in improving efficiency and sustainability across all industries through advancing materials and processes. I spend a lot of my time in the Breakerspace (MIT's Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering's lab), training and helping out both grad and undergrad students in learning and utilizing everything from the SEM and XRD to the mechanical tester and ion mill, and enjoy spending my free time characterizing random objects. I'm also in various makerspaces on a daily basis, doing machining, woodworking, welding, and all sorts of other activities for some of my various ongoing projects, including most recently designing and building a DRSS Tesla coil. If you'd like to see samples of some of my work, check out: KeiraBoone.com. For more information, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keira-boone

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelor's degree program

2025 – 2028

Majors:
  • Materials Sciences
  • Materials Engineering
GPA4.0 GPA

Energy Institute High School

High School

2021 – 2025

GPA4.0 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
California Institute of Technology, Stanford University
Majors of interest:
Materials Engineering, Materials Sciences, Engineering, General, Energy Systems Engineering, Sustainability Studies, Mechanical Engineering
Medical school interest:
No
English as first language:
Yes
Homeschooled:
No

Career

  • Prepare steel samples; perform Charpy impact & Vickers hardness testing across tempering temperature and time matrices; and run simulations to predict austenite stability and phase fractions, correlating computational predictions with experimental results

    Engineering · Olson Group, MIT Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering: optimize tempering conditions for a copper-free steel alloy for the U.S. Navy, targeting strength and toughness parameters

    Sep 2026 – Present

  • Analyze metals, polymers, and composites, applying standardized methods to qualify materials for structural, mechanical, and corrosion-resistant materials properties; train 150+ students on SEM/EDS, XRD, Ion Mill, FTIR, Raman, etc.; and develop SOPs

    Engineering · MIT Breakerspace, Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering Lab

    Sep 2025 – Present

  • Materials Testing & Characterization Lead: characterized 15+ feedstock compositions, calculating yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and Young's modulus; optimized injection molding parameters across 50+ runs; and down-selected filler-matrix ratios

    Manufacturing · CERBERUZ, MIT AeroAstro Dept: 1st Place winner of NASA's LunaRecycle Challenge in Prototype & Digital Twin Divisions (out of 1,200 registered teams) - recycling lunar trash into usable parts via composite injection molding

    Sep 2025 – Present

  • Support startup, troubleshooting, SOP development, and process qualification for thin-film deposition, furnace, and photolithography tools; develop Python data-analysis and recipe-optimization scripts and contribute to PLC-based equipment automation

    Nanotechnology · MIT.nano: Fab.nano Cleanroom and Characterization.nano

    May 2026 – Present

  • Test AI-driven predictions by synthesizing candidate alloys and intermetallics via arc melting, sealing samples in glass ampoules for heat treatment, prepping and characterizing samples via SEM/EDS and MPMS-based X-ray and magnetometry analysis

    Engineering · Quantum Formatics: developing next-generation superconducting alloys that pair practical critical temperatures with ductility through AI-accelerated materials discovery

    Sep 2026 – Present

  • Diagnosed vacuum integrity failures and mechanical issues in a non-functional JEOL JEM-2011 UHV-TEM; machined custom UHV-compatible sample holders, stages, and a gas injection system, and integrated a Hitachi HF5000 for in-situ deposition and microscopy

    Engineering · Ross Group, MIT Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering: Ultra-High Vacuum Transmission Electron Microscope (UHV-TEM) Equipment Development

    May 2026 – Sep 2026

  • Contributed to design and fabrication of version II of proprietary volumetric 3D printer, adding shadowgraph, XYZ gantry, and calibration of precision rotary stage while significantly reducing production costs; expand existing Python software

    Manufacturing · MAV Unlimited

    May 2026 – Sep 2026

  • Engineered membraneless electrochemical cells for CO2 capture & green H2 co-production, synthesized/characterized nanostructured electrode materials for seawater electrolysis, researched electrodeposition processes to improve electrode material properties

    Chemical Engineering · Team Rahimi, Electrochemical Decarbonization Research @ University of Houston: Developing electrochemical processes to help industries become more energy-efficient & to capture CO2 from both point sources and the ocean

    Jun 2024 – Jun 2025

  • Optimized hydroponic system design and growing media for terrestrial and space applications; engineered mobile systems for schools and other nonprofits, including CAD, electrical, & mechanical design; Project Manager for NASA Mars to Table Challenge

    Renewables & Environment · Moonflower Farms: Hyper-local Hydroponic and Sustainable Farming Systems

    Jan 2023 – Jun 2025

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Renewables & Environment, Manufacturing, Building Materials, Machinery, Aviation & Aerospace
Work experience:
3 years
Has nursing license:
No
Leadership experience:
Yes

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Barbara Cain Literary Scholarship
Books aren’t just stories; they’ve been doorways into worlds that some authors can craft to feel as real as our own. My favorite author, Anne McCaffrey, taught me this. Her ‘Dragonriders of Pern’ series has captivated me since I was eleven with the way she wove timelines together without a seam, creating characters who felt so alive that I caught myself carrying their sayings into my daily life. I still repeat “efficient and effective,” an adaptation of Master Smith Farand’s “what is efficient, is effective”. This isn’t just a phrase, but a principle: a reminder to act with purpose and precision that has stuck with me for over half a decade. What I learned most from McCaffrey’s novels was that people are never isolated threads. Each character, no matter how seemingly minor, was woven into the tapestry of the story, shaping outcomes in ways both subtle and drastic. This lesson has stayed with me far beyond the page, and has taught me to value interconnectedness in my own life, whether in the research lab, where each small procedure contributes to a breakthrough, or in my community, where every act of mentorship can change the path of a younger student. Books have also taught me resilience; characters often face challenges that seem insurmountable, whether displacement, conflict, or even alien threats, and yet they persevere, adapt, and grow. These stories teach me that failure is not final; it's just part of our character arc! This perspective has been essential in my research work, where experiments sometimes fail twenty times before the twenty-first shows promise. Instead of discouragement, I now see these setbacks as chapters that make the eventual discovery even more meaningful. Books have also expanded my empathy. Authors have the beautiful ability to place you not just in the world, but the life of their characters. I’ve felt like I lived in medieval castles, futuristic spaceports, and places far different from my own hometown, and their voices and struggles have made me more attentive to the stories of people around me. Volunteering in libraries and community STEM programs, I see that same magic, with books offering students both a reflection of themselves and a window into lives they’ve never imagined. The empathy that has grown out of reading fiction has flourished into a commitment to ensure others have access to books, knowledge, and learning opportunities, no matter their background or life circumstances. All of this has shaped my goals for my own future. I plan to pursue materials science, not only to solve technical challenges like carbon capture and sustainable farming, but also to ensure the solutions reach people in ways that improve their lives. I intend to write and share stories about science that are as accessible and engaging as the novels that first sparked my imagination. Just as Barbara Cain made a difference in the lives of young readers through her dedication to the library, I hope to carry forward that legacy, making knowledge not only available, but transformative. Librarians are an incredible gift to the world and change so many lives, and I know mine would be very different without them. Books have given me more than entertainment: they’ve provided a framework for living with purpose, resilience, and empathy. They’ve shaped my vision of a future where I can weave together science, storytelling, and service—efficiently and effectively—so that others might find the same joy and belonging in learning that I first discovered among the shelves of my local library.
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
Glowing cubbyholes, lit with every color of the rainbow and filled with seemingly random items, captivated my 2-year-old self. The display became even more fascinating as I realized this 15-foot-long periodic table housed everyday objects containing samples of each element, and it remains my favorite exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. My experiences at the museum, alongside code.org projects, robotics and 3D printing at the Children’s Museum, and much more, sparked my love for science. This early exposure fueled my curiosity, leading me to enthusiastically pursue STEM and give back to the communities that nurtured my growth. My passion for STEM is deeply hands-on. Whether welding structural frames, wiring circuits, or shaping wood into functional designs, I find joy in the tangible process of building. I’ve developed an appreciation for how materials interact, how theory translates into practice, and how even the smallest design decisions can influence the final product. These skills shape my approach to science and engineering, reinforcing my belief that the best solutions come from integrating diverse perspectives and methodologies. My commitment to STEM extends beyond my own learning: it’s about fostering inclusivity and ensuring opportunities for others. As founder of my school’s Society of Women Engineers chapter, I’ve worked to create a supportive space for young women in engineering. As a captain of our FIRST Robotics team, I’ve mentored students from marginalized areas, ensuring that STEM education is accessible and engaging. Leadership is about empowering others, and I apply this philosophy by developing outreach programs that make science tangible for students from all backgrounds. However, my path hasn’t been without challenges. Last year, I was the only girl in AP Calculus BC, a situation I’ve encountered in many advanced STEM courses. My school is engineering-focused, yet only 29% of the students are female; I’ve had to prove myself in environments where I am sometimes underestimated, learning to stand firm in my ideas and trust in my abilities. These experiences have strengthened my conviction and problem-solving skills, reinforcing my commitment to making STEM more inclusive. My diverse experiences have shaped my aspirations. I see myself as a nexialist: someone who connects disciplines to solve complex problems. My journey has been about forging links across chemistry, engineering, policy, and education to address real-world challenges. I’m particularly drawn to intersections between sustainability and technology, recognizing that science isn’t just about discovery, but also application. Growing up in a city frequently affected by hurricanes, flooding, and extreme heat, I’ve seen how environmental challenges disrupt lives. This awareness has driven my research in electrochemical carbon capture and my work at Moonflower Farms, where I help design mobile hydroponic systems for schools, creating sustainable, cost-effective solutions that bridge gaps between innovation and accessibility. In the lab, I conduct research on scalable electrochemical systems for carbon capture. Working alongside PhD candidates, I’ve contributed to industrial decarbonization, ocean alkalinization, and green hydrogen production. These experiences have reinforced my belief that scientific advancements must be designed for real-world implementation, ensuring that sustainability isn’t just an ideal, but a practical reality. I plan to apply my leadership skills and technical expertise to build interdisciplinary teams focused on creating sustainable, equitable solutions. I envision a future where modular, plug-and-play systems revolutionize carbon capture, agriculture, and clean energy. Ultimately, my passion for STEM is rooted in its ability to drive systemic change; I aim to be part of a generation that uses science and technology to build a better future. Through these fields, I hope to explore new solutions to global challenges and work toward a world where innovation serves the needs of all people.
Sweet Dreams Scholarship
None of us knew what we were doing—only that we wanted to make STEM more exciting and accessible for others. Ideas flew around the table: some ambitious, others delightfully quirky. As we laughed and brainstormed, boundaries between concepts blurred. No one owned an idea; every suggestion morphed as we worked together, shaping it into something engaging, inclusive, and (ideally) possible. It was the inaugural meeting of the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Teen Advisory Council, and things were crazy. We had walked in clueless, sitting and quietly staring at our hastily scribbled names on folded cardstock. But when I half-whispered “Hey, has anyone actually seen the Foucault pendulum knock over its last peg?” this room of socially-awkward nerds was brought to life. We had found our people, and would make it our goal to not only provide a fun space for people like us, but also share with others our love of the scientific and the unusual. Over the past four years, we’ve done just that. Hosting themed teen nights (Earth Day! Shark Night!! Dino Prom!!!), free events, sensory-friendly events, and more, we’ve devoted ourselves to breaking barriers and pulling students from all over Houston into the fun, turning our half-baked ideas into moments where science feels less like a textbook and more like a shared inside joke. Together, we’ve built something real, something messy, and something wonderful. And sometimes, it really is messy… Last spring break, most of the Teen Advisory Council was out of town and the handful of us left were scrambling to run a full-blown museum event. The gummy snakes needed for edible DNA activities were accidentally left in a sunny car and melted into blocks and no one could find the playdough to make circuits. Nothing was going to plan. No, this was not our first event. Yes, everyone loved it. And we ended the night on a sugar rush fueled with wobbling bricks of gummy snakes. That night reminds me why community connections are so important. It’s not about perfection—it’s about building welcoming, joyful spaces where science becomes approachable. Spaces where curiosity is encouraged, mistakes are part of the fun, and kids leave feeling like they belong. It’s about creating experiences that let people smile, laugh, and learn together. This belief has guided my work in other activities, too. As founder of a Society of Women Engineers club, I’ve brought in compelling guest speakers and created engaging hands-on activities to show how fun and exciting STEM can be. Through robotics I’ve organized events at middle and elementary schools, providing younger students the chance to build, design, and explore. And as an intern with a non-profit hydroponics startup, I’ve helped design mobile food systems for schools (with accompanying STEM curricula!) that combat food insecurity while giving students direct experience with sustainable agriculture. My goal and hope for the future is that everyone, regardless of background, will be able to envision themselves succeeding in fields that once seemed intimidating and unattainable. To me, this is what it means to be part of a community. It’s not about being in charge, but about showing up, making space, and trusting that even wobbly gummy snakes can lead to real impact. Science and engineering need more voices, more ideas, more unconventional approaches—the next generation of solutions will come from engaging communities, fostering interest in STEM, and ensuring the voices shaping the future are as diverse as the challenges we face. I intend to continue helping create this vision, not just by pursuing my own passions, but by helping our generation’s innovators, creators, and world-changers realize they belong here, too.
Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship
I believe change begins by listening. True impact doesn’t start with imposing solutions; it starts with understanding people, their needs, and their hopes. That’s a lesson I’ve learned through every volunteering effort I’ve been part of, from designing hands-on STEM activities for students who never thought they had a place in science, to co-creating community events at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, to working at a sustainable urban farm that donates fresh produce and education to food-insecure neighborhoods. At the core of everything I do is a desire to make science and technology more inclusive, empowering, and human-centered. In my community, I’ve seen how environmental and educational inequities go hand-in-hand: families in polluted areas often lack access to the resources that help young people dream big. I want to change that, not just by addressing the symptoms, but by getting to the root of the problem. That’s why I’m pursuing materials science and engineering, with a focus on sustainability. My goal is to develop scalable, low-cost technologies—like carbon capture systems, clean energy devices, and sustainable agricultural tools—that are designed with communities, not just for them. But to me, engineering solutions is only one part of the equation. The other is education and access. I want to help dismantle the gatekeeping that still exists in STEM by building programs that demystify science and bring hands-on opportunities into underserved schools and neighborhoods. This dual approach—innovating and sharing—has guided much of my work already. When I founded a Society of Women Engineers chapter at my school, I wasn’t just starting a club. I was creating a space where students from all backgrounds could explore engineering in a fun, supportive environment. When I led my robotics team, I made it a point to mentor students from marginalized communities, making sure they not only had technical tools, but also the confidence to use them. One of my most meaningful experiences was working with Moonflower Farms, a local hydroponics farm committed to sustainability and education. I helped design mobile hydroponic units for schools, bringing clean farming technology to students who might otherwise never encounter it. That experience taught me that science doesn’t have to live in labs—it can thrive in classrooms, neighborhoods, and gardens. It showed me how powerful hands-on learning can be when it’s placed directly in people’s lives. In college and beyond, I plan to keep combining research with outreach. I’ll continue working on sustainable technology—but I’ll also be out in communities, helping students build robots from recycled materials, working with teachers to create culturally relevant science curricula, and developing nonprofit programs that train the next generation of climate innovators. To me, a positive impact isn’t measured only by the technologies you create. It’s measured by how many people you uplift along the way. It’s about designing systems that are not just efficient, but equitable—systems that leave no one behind. The world doesn’t need one kind of changemaker. It needs connectors, educators, builders, and listeners. I hope to be all of these. My mission is not only to develop sustainable solutions, but to make sure everyone has the tools and opportunity to shape the future with me. Though I didn’t know Destiny McClain personally, I’m inspired by the values she lived by—compassion, selflessness, and a deep commitment to others. Her legacy is a call to action for all of us to lead with heart, uplift our communities, and carry forward the spirit of service she embodied.
William Griggs Memorial Scholarship for Science and Math
No visit to my grandparents’ house is complete without a salvaging trip with my grandpa. One of our favorite hobbies is making things, and we’re extremely lucky that a local construction company provides us access to an unpredictable treasure trove: their steel scrap dumpster! We combine cast-off pieces to give them new life, designing and making useful items for ourselves (like a 600-pound capacity hoist!) and creating needed items that we donate to local nonprofits. Through the hours spent crafting, my grandpa has taught me technical skills like woodworking and welding while instilling in me a drive to create and improve through methodical, hands-on application. This “maker mindset”—being imaginative, collaborative, hands-on, and adaptable—has guided my approach in all aspects of my life, especially STEM. Most recently, I’ve applied these skills as a high school intern in Dr. Rahimi’s electrochemistry lab at the University of Houston. While synthesizing, analyzing, and improving nanostructured electrodes and refining electrolysis conditions, I’ve realized that I’m truly passionate about chemical engineering and materials science. Pursuing these fields at MIT this fall will equip me with the technical expertise to develop cost-effective, adaptable solutions to make industries more sustainable. I believe it is vitally important to improve the quality of our air and water and to conserve our limited natural resources, and the energy sector provides one of the greatest opportunities to drive large-scale change. Technologies such as electrified chemical pathways, advanced catalysis, and process intensification can significantly reduce emissions and resource consumption, making existing oil and gas processes cleaner and more efficient without requiring a complete overhaul of infrastructure. This will enable a smoother, economically viable transition toward sustainability. I also intend to design renewable energy systems that are efficient, modular, affordable, and deployable in diverse environments—from urban rooftops to rural schools to coastal villages. I want to continue my path of reimagining industrial and manufacturing processes: integrating automation, materials innovation, and digital technologies to minimize waste, pollution, and energy consumption. I hope to delve into catalytic coatings, battery chemistries, and solar absorbers made with low-cost, recyclable materials—crucial components for renewable energy systems. More than that, I want to create solutions that don’t just work in a lab but can be implemented at scale—leveraging and improving infrastructure, anticipating future needs, and designing for longevity—and I intend to devote my career to improving these systems. But my commitment to STEM extends beyond my own ambitions—it’s also about fostering inclusivity and ensuring opportunities for others. As founder of my school’s Society of Women Engineers club, co-captain of our FIRST Robotics team, and member of the science museum’s Teen Advisory Council, I’ve worked to build supportive spaces where young women can take ownership of their ideas and find confidence in their technical skills. I’ve faced my own challenges in STEM, so I believe in expanding opportunities and providing encouragement in math and science, helping girls envision themselves succeeding in these fields. Support from the William Griggs Memorial Scholarship would allow me to focus more on impact than finances when seeking internships and jobs, enabling me to continue my education and research into developing solutions that integrate sustainability into our energy systems. I will continue to share these passions with others while empowering girls to forge their own pathways in math and science. I’m committed to making the most of this investment and of Mr. Griggs’ admirable legacy—not just for myself, but for the communities I hope to serve through science and service. And, well… I plan to help save the world. Seriously, I really do. STEM isn’t just about discovery—it’s about building a better future for us all.
Dennis L. N. Yakobson Scholarship Fund
Winner
The balance between renewable and traditional energy sources represents one of the greatest challenges—and opportunities—of our time. My journey toward understanding and addressing this balance has been shaped by experiences in research, entrepreneurship, and community outreach. Working in a lab on electrochemical carbon capture, green hydrogen production, and vanadium redox batteries for energy storage, collaborating with a hyper-local hydroponics farm, founding an algae biofuel startup, and engaging with global experts at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) have taught me how innovative technologies, existing infrastructure, and community education must converge to build a sustainable energy future. In Dr. Rahimi’s lab, I’ve explored electrochemical methods for carbon capture, enhancing ocean alkalinity to sequester atmospheric CO2, and green hydrogen production as a clean energy source. These projects focus on low-cost solutions, revealing how leveraging existing infrastructure can drive the practical application of sustainable technologies. For instance, pairing carbon capture systems with traditional fossil fuel plants allows for significant emission reductions while maintaining energy reliability. Similarly, green hydrogen production and ocean alkalinization can be integrated into industrial systems, contributing to global decarbonization without requiring an overhaul of current energy frameworks. The lab has taught me that successful energy transitions depend on melding cutting-edge research with the realities of infrastructure and cost. Three years ago, I founded an algae biofuel startup to explore the potential of carbon-negative energy solutions. By cultivating algae in nutrient-rich wastewater and extracting lipids to produce biofuels, I developed a closed-loop system that aligns environmental sustainability with energy production. Through this process, I delved into techno-economic analyses, gaining an appreciation for the immense R&D required to make new technologies viable. I discovered that while scaling a novel energy solution is a daunting challenge, it is a worthwhile endeavor that combines creativity with technical rigor. This experience reinforced the importance of small-scale innovation as a foundation for larger sustainability efforts. Attending the AGU conference further expanded my perspectives. Discussions with leading researchers highlighted unintended consequences of certain renewable technologies, such as the environmental impact of geothermal energy extraction on local water tables and ecosystems. These conversations underscored the importance of understanding the societal and ecological effects of energy transitions. Sustainable solutions must consider not only their technical feasibility, but also their impacts on the surrounding communities. For this reason, I’ve focused on bringing sustainable energy solutions to the community level. As an intern at Moonflower Farms, an urban hydroponics startup, I’ve worked to incorporate renewable energy into their farming systems while emphasizing education and outreach. By integrating solar panels and energy-efficient technologies, we’ve demonstrated how small-scale renewables can power local food systems sustainably. Through Moonflower’s nonprofit arm, I’ve helped develop curricula that teach community members–from elementary students to historically marginalized groups–how to adopt similar systems in their homes and neighborhoods. This emphasis on education ensures that sustainability is not just a technological innovation but a shared value, fostering widespread support for renewable energy adoption. My journey has shown me that sustainable energy solutions require more than technical innovation—they demand collaboration across disciplines, cultures, and perspectives. Whether conducting research in the lab, engaging with experts at AGU, or working with local communities, I’ve learned that the most effective solutions emerge from a nexus of science, infrastructure, and education. I plan to continue this work, focusing on practical, inclusive energy solutions that empower communities while protecting our planet and honoring Dennis Yakobson’s enduring dedication to sustainability. Guided by ambition, driven by impact, and fueled by passion, I aim to help create a world where renewable and traditional energy systems coexist in harmony, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally sound future for all.
Keira Boone Student Profile | Bold.org