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Letiunasema Nuusila

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Advocacy And Activism
  • Baking
  • Botany
  • Business And Entrepreneurship
  • Choir
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Farming
  • Football
  • Horticulture
  • Yearbook
  • Forensics

Reading

  • Academic
  • Adult Fiction
  • Adventure
  • Action
  • Biography
  • Cultural
  • Environment
  • Folk Tales
  • Folklore
  • Gardening
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Literature
  • Mystery
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Fantasy
  • Social Issues
  • True Story

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

I am passionate, hardworking, skillful, persistent, and honest. I can adapt to a new environment or setting. In addition, I possess leadership, organizational, cooperation, communication, and several other skills that aid me in pursuing knowledge for the future.

Education

Cornell University

Bachelor's degree program

2023 – 2027

Majors:
  • Agricultural and Food Products Processing
  • Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other

American Samoa Community College

High School

2022 – 2023

Samoana High School

High School

2019 – 2023

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Hawaii at Manoa, University of California-Davis, The University of Texas at Austin
Majors of interest:
Agricultural and Food Products Processing, International Agriculture, Sustainability Studies, Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other, Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Medical school interest:
No

Career

  • Environmental Committee Member

    Government Administration · Cornell University Student Assembly

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Research · Cornell University CALS DiTommaso Lab of Weed Ecology

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant

    Research · Cornell University CALS Kao-Kniffin Lab of Belowground Ecology of Invasive Plants & Weeds

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Student Researcher

    Research · American Samoa Community College - Agriculture, Natural Resources, & Community Division

    Jan 2018 – Jan 2022

  • Executive Youth Representative

    Public Relations and Communications · Sa'ole Drug Free Coalition

    Jan 2019 – Jan 2021

  • Student Intern

    Business Supplies and Equipment · American Samoa Department of Education Business Office

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2023

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Research
Dream career goals:
Earn degree and become a plant scientist, then return home to American Samoa to serve my community and nurture future generations of agricultural professionals and scientists.
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Politics
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Freddie L Brown Sr. Scholarship
West Family Scholarship
Imagine a world where no child goes to bed hungry, where families don’t have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table—this is not a distant dream, but a goal within our reach if we take bold steps to stamp out food insecurity once and for all. Yet, the reality is stark: food insecurity remains one of the most pressing issues of our time. Millions of people lack access to nutritious food, children suffer from malnutrition that stunts their growth and potential, and families are forced to make impossible choices as the cost of living continues to rise. With these facts in mind, I decided to join the call to stomp out hunger and helping to establish food security. My path to this is through my current field of Agricultural Science. I decided to take on this issue from its origin, at the root, and work from there into production and eventually distribution. The challenge is not simply one of production but of distribution, sustainability, and equity. As a student specializing in agricultural sciences with a focus on plant research and sustainable agriculture, I am committed to addressing this issue by developing farming methods that balance productivity, environmental responsibility, and economic viability. One of the key aspects of food insecurity is the unequal distribution of food across different regions. While some areas experience food surpluses, others struggle with chronic shortages. My goal is to contribute to the creation of more efficient and equitable food systems that ensure better access to food for vulnerable populations. This involves working on innovative agricultural solutions that improve yields without depleting natural resources or harming the environment. Sustainability is at the core of my approach. Many farmers, especially smallholders, face the difficult trade-off between maximizing their income and adopting environmentally friendly practices. Through research in sustainable agriculture, I aim to bridge this gap by promoting methods that increase productivity while maintaining soil health, conserving water, and reducing reliance on harmful chemicals. For example, agroecological practices, precision farming, and crop diversification all play a role in creating resilient farming systems that benefit both people and the planet. Beyond research, I am also passionate about empowering farmers with knowledge and resources. Many small-scale farmers lack access to the latest advancements in agricultural technology and sustainable practices. By immersing myself in extension services, policy advocacy, or agricultural development programs, I hope to provide farmers with practical tools and education that will help them adopt more sustainable and profitable methods. Supporting farmers in this way not only improves food production but also strengthens local economies and enhances food security at a community level. The fight against hunger requires a multi-faceted and holistic approach, and I am dedicated to being part of that solution. Whether through research, advocacy, or direct engagement with farmers, I am eager to contribute to a future where food is more equitably distributed, farming is both productive and sustainable, and no one has to suffer from hunger.
Letiunasema Nuusila Student Profile | Bold.org