“Feng, you’re up next.” “Sir! Yes, sir!” With my blood pumping and muddy feet dangling mid-air, I clung to the rope for dear life. Sore from three miles of running in the woods, my mind told my body to persevere. While men in camouflage uniforms yelled at me from steep hills on both sides and squad members cheered me on from up above, I slowly but steadily climbed down the rope to safety. That summer, I was training my mind, body, and character at the United States Naval Academy—while also studying space satellite disks and learning physics from former naval aviators. This is me, a bold, adventurous, and confident young woman. But I know she has come a long way from the timid little girl years ago. If brought back in time to the early days of my childhood education, one would be peering at a sulky, dumpling-faced version of me sitting away from the other kids, waiting to go home. Teachers wrote back to my parents with sympathetic notes describing me as “very sweet, but incredibly shy.” Growing up, my family was always on the move, from Tennessee to several cities in Virginia and Texas. While I quickly learned how to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings, I also lacked a clear sense of belonging or identity. This feeling of floating in space, lost and helpless, eventually faded when my parents signed me up for my first art class. I can still remember how anxiously I grasped the watercolor brush—in awe of the gleaming white paper, I trembled with fear of soiling its blank perfection with irreversible bright colors. The consequences seemed unimaginable if I accidentally applied the wrong shade or utilized an inaccurate technique. However, through my teacher's encouragement (and pressure), I began painting. Although my first masterpiece ended up with a few shaky lines and bleeding colors, proud of my progress, I excitedly displayed it to my family and friends. Those initial few brushstrokes of courage marked the beginning of my journey of involving myself in various activities and finding my place. One of my most memorable activities, high school robotics, fostered within me a lasting ambition. Despite initially lacking a programming or engineering background, I grew fascinated by the robot’s functions and design. Embraced with open arms by the upperclassmen, I involved myself in several club roles, from marketing to prototyping to mentoring younger students. This experience, combined with my internships at NASA and the Department of Energy, sparked my passion for STEM, particularly its space and environmental applications. So how did I end up hanging off that rope? After conceptualizing missions at NASA, I learned about the intensive training that astronauts master. This motivated me to undergo similar training at the US Naval Academy Summer Seminar. Not only did I learn real-world STEM applications alongside naval officers in the classroom, but I also learned to define my own identity on the field. As an eager rower, I still remember the exhilaration as our canoe team pushed forward in a unified rhythm, passing other teams in the river. As an amateur gatherer, I still recall the feeling of wonder as I learned from a fellow squadmate the intricacies of tasting wild honeysuckle in the forest. As a determined adventurer, I strive to always carry the broad outlook I practiced while performing morning physical training alongside Navy SEALs. Throughout my journey of reaching for the stars, I will continue to encounter obstacles that may seem intimidating at first. However, with increased confidence and resilience, I will always face them with an open heart and mind to learn.

From the moment I picked up a book on astronomy at my local library as a child, I was captivated by science—by its ability to make sense of the world and ask questions even bigger than the answers. That fascination grew into a passion for STEM and ultimately led me to Brown University, where I now study Applied Mathematics–Economics and Geophysics. I’m especially drawn to space science and sustainable energy—fields that, to me, represent humanity’s greatest challenges and most exciting frontiers. During my internships at NASA and the Department of Energy, I saw how data, equations, and engineering could be used to solve real-world problems. At NASA, I helped program a model rover and analyzed lunar crater data to study impact processes on planetary surfaces. At the Department of Energy, I researched nuclear systems and energy resilience. These experiences strengthened my belief that STEM is more than theory—it’s a tool for change. My goal is to bridge scientific research with innovation that makes a lasting impact: advancing space exploration while helping build a sustainable future for Earth. Whether it's using geophysical models to better understand planetary processes or developing new technologies to address climate change, I want my work to be both visionary and grounded in service. Getting here, however, hasn’t been easy. As a woman of color in male-dominated robotics teams and math competitions, I often felt isolated and underestimated. But instead of backing down, I used that experience to fuel change. I co-founded Women Involved in STEM Education (WISE), where I help organize hands-on design workshops and mentorship for over 1,000 students—especially girls from underrepresented backgrounds. I also served as President of the Dallas Arboretum Teen Leadership Council, where I led educational programs that introduced children to renewable energy in engaging, accessible ways. Most recently, I helped launch the Space Minds Center, a nonprofit think tank dedicated to making space science and policy more accessible to young people—especially those underrepresented in the field. As Strategy and Innovations Lead, I helped build a central resource hub of fellowships and lead weekly discussions that connect students with professionals in planetary science, engineering, law, and international policy. The adversity I’ve faced has shaped my purpose: to open doors for others and show that STEM isn’t just for a select few—it’s for anyone with curiosity, determination, and a dream. With this scholarship, I’ll continue using my education not only to push scientific boundaries, but to empower the next generation of thinkers and builders—especially those who’ve been told they don’t belong.

I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I’ve pursued them not only with passion, but with the conviction that being an underrepresented woman in STEM means lifting others as I climb. As an undergraduate at Brown University studying Applied Mathematics–Economics and Geophysics, I’ve followed my curiosity across the stars and into labs—programming lunar crater data at NASA labs and studying nuclear energy systems at the Department of Energy. But beyond the technical work, I’ve always asked: Who else gets to dream this big? As a woman of color in male-dominated robotics and math competitions growing up, I often didn’t see others who looked like me. That’s why I co-founded Women Involved in STEM Education (WISE), where I serve as Chief Marketing Officer. Our team has organized engineering workshops and outreach events for over 1,000 students, helping girls design and build real projects while envisioning themselves as scientists and engineers. I also served as President of the Dallas Arboretum Teen Leadership Council, where I combined science education with sustainability. I designed interactive lessons on renewable energy, teaching children how solar and wind technologies work in hands-on, engaging ways—especially for those from underserved communities. Seeing young girls light up with curiosity reminded me why representation matters. One of the most defining experiences in stepping out of my comfort zone was attending the Naval Academy Summer Seminar, where I immersed myself in science, engineering, and math courses while undergoing rigorous military and physical endurance training. I was one of the only Asian female students without a military background, and it pushed me physically, mentally, and socially. But through early-morning workouts, team obstacle courses, and collaborative academic modules, I learned to embrace discomfort as a pathway to resilience. That experience taught me that being a leader in STEM isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about adaptability, teamwork, and grit. Today, I continue my mission through the Space Minds Center, a nonprofit think tank I helped found that empowers students—particularly those underrepresented in space and policy fields—to explore the frontiers of science and diplomacy. As Strategy and Innovations Lead, I built a centralized hub of 30+ fellowships and opportunities and facilitate weekly discussions with professionals in science, law, and international relations. I am worth my dreams because I transform barriers into blueprints—for exploration, advocacy, and inclusive innovation. With this scholarship, I will continue growing as a scientist, mentor, and advocate—so others can dream fearlessly too.

One technology that truly inspires me is solar energy—especially the visionary concept of collecting solar power from space. Growing up fascinated by both energy systems and space exploration, I’ve always dreamed of how these fields could merge to create solutions for the world’s most pressing challenges. Earth-based solar panels already amaze me with their ability to transform sunlight into clean electricity. But what excites me most is the potential of space-based solar power—massive satellites equipped with solar arrays that gather constant, uninterrupted sunlight in orbit and beam that energy down to Earth. To me, this technology represents the perfect fusion of science, creativity, and impact. During my internships at NASA and the Department of Energy, I worked on real-world challenges like programming rovers to analyze planetary data and researching nuclear energy systems that power our future. These experiences showed me how abstract scientific ideas can be engineered into meaningful, sustainable solutions. I’ve also worked to inspire the next generation to think boldly about these possibilities. As President of the Dallas Arboretum Teen Leadership Council, I created and led workshops for children about renewable energy sources, teaching them how sunlight, wind, and water could power their homes. It was deeply fulfilling to watch young students light up—both literally and figuratively—when they built their first solar-powered circuits. Looking ahead, I hope to innovate within the fields of geophysics and aerospace, contributing ideas that could one day power Earth from space. Whether developing algorithms to optimize orbital solar collection or designing systems that distribute energy equitably, I want my work to reflect both scientific rigor and human-centered thinking. Technology like space-based solar power reminds me why I love what I study—it pushes boundaries, connects disciplines, and creates a better world. Knowing that my curiosity, creativity, and experiences might contribute to a cleaner and more connected planet motivates me every day.

My name is Michelle Feng, and I am an undergraduate at Brown University studying Applied Mathematics–Economics and Geophysics. From a young age, I have been captivated by the sciences—not just by their complexity, but by their power to explain how our universe works. What began as reading books on astronomy and astrophysics soon grew into building robots in after-school clubs, writing my first lines of code, and ultimately conducting real-world research with NASA and the Department of Energy. These experiences have shaped my passion for applying math and science to better understand the natural world. At NASA, I had the opportunity to program a model rover designed to analyze biosignatures on Jupiter’s moon Europa. This hands-on project introduced me to the exciting intersection of planetary science, robotics, and data analysis. At the Department of Energy, I studied nuclear systems with a focus on sustainable energy technologies. Currently, at Brown University, I analyze lunar crater data to model the thermal and pressure conditions across the Moon’s surface, which contributes to our understanding of impact processes and planetary geology. In each role, I have developed strong skills in mathematical modeling, programming, and scientific analysis—tools I am eager to apply throughout my academic and professional career. Equally important to me as scientific discovery is ensuring that others, especially women, feel welcome and empowered in STEM fields. To this end, I co-founded Women Involved in STEM Education (WISE), an organization dedicated to making science and engineering more accessible to girls and young women in my community. Through interactive engineering workshops, mentorship programs, and large-scale outreach events, we have reached over 1,000 students, helping to inspire confidence and passion for STEM. Looking toward the future, I hope to engage in cutting-edge research that expands our knowledge of Earth and other planetary bodies. I am particularly interested in interdisciplinary projects that combine geophysics, data science, and engineering to develop new technologies for space exploration and planetary analysis. Additionally, I want to contribute to efforts that assess planetary habitability and support missions searching for signs of life beyond Earth. Beyond research, I am passionate about mentoring and advocating for women and underrepresented groups in STEM, helping to create a more inclusive scientific community. To me, science is both curiosity and contribution. With the support of the William Griggs Memorial Scholarship, I will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge about our planet and the universe—while helping others find their place in science, too.