As the youngest emergency medical technician in my town, I had always felt passionately about volunteering in my community. But the COVID-19 pandemic brought a new level of urgency to my work that I had never experienced before. I still remember the first time I responded to a call from someone who was potentially infected with the virus. I could feel my heart racing as I pulled on my protective gear -- a mask, gloves, and goggles -- and tried to steady my breathing. It wasn't just the fear of getting sick myself that made me nervous; it was knowing that I was walking into an uncertain and potentially life-threatening situation that made me feel a sense of responsibility to my community. Over time, I became more acclimated to the new protocols and procedures that we followed as EMTs during the pandemic. But what struck me the most was how the pandemic had affected people from all walks of life and how it had shed light on pre-existing healthcare disparities. As a volunteer EMT, I had the privilege of serving as a first responder to people from diverse backgrounds. But it was heartbreaking to see how COVID-19 had disproportionately affected low-income and marginalized communities. It made me realize how much more work we needed to do as a society to ensure access to healthcare for all. My experience as a young EMT during the pandemic changed my mindset on volunteering. Before, I had seen it as a way to give back to my community. But now, I see it as a necessary component of a healthy society. It's not just about providing medical care; it's about creating a community in which everyone has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. This is why I need the Lauren Czebatul Scholarship to help support me in my pursuit of a degree in Chemical Engineering. I see Chemical Engineering as a field that can help address some of the most pressing issues facing our world -- from climate change to the development of sustainable energy sources. As an EMT, I have seen firsthand how environmental issues can negatively impact public health. Chemical Engineering will equip me with the tools and knowledge I need to help address these issues and make a positive impact on the world around me. But pursuing higher education is not easy, especially as a young person who has to pursue it while also supporting myself financially. The Lauren Czebatul Scholarship would be instrumental in helping me achieve my goals and make a meaningful contribution to society. In addition to technical knowledge, Chemical Engineering requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. As an EMT, I have honed these skills through the various crises I've responded to, and I look forward to further developing them through my education in Chemical Engineering. But pursuing higher education is not easy, especially as a young person who has to juggle coursework, part-time work, and other commitments. The financial burden of tuition and living expenses can be overwhelming and can restrict the options available to students. My experience as an EMT during COVID-19 has taught me the importance of volunteering and creating a society in which everyone has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering is my way of contributing to this goal and addressing some of the most pressing issues facing our world today. And with the support of the Lauren Czebatul Scholarship, I am confident that I can achieve my goals and make a positive impact on the world around me.

The human spirit is a remarkable thing. When faced with adversity, it can either break us or inspire us to rise above and conquer our challenges. For me, my challenge was bronchiolitis. This respiratory disease made it difficult for me to participate in sports, something that is often associated with a healthy and active lifestyle. But I refused to let my condition define me. I discovered my passion for running, which changed my life in unimaginable ways. Growing up, I was often bullied and taunted for my lack of athleticism. My condition made running even a short distance difficult without wheezing or gasping for air. This led me to develop deep-seated insecurity and self-doubt, believing that I would never be able to compete with others in sports or any physical activity. However, as I grew older, I began to realize that my condition did not have to hold me back. I discovered a love for running, and it became my passion. Running allowed me to control my breathing, improve my physical conditioning, and pave my way toward success. I practiced every day, pushing myself beyond my limits, and soon enough, I began to compete in local races and marathons. I was surprised by my newfound athleticism and the sense of pride and satisfaction that came with crossing the finish line. My journey toward running success taught me many valuable lessons that I still carry with me to this day. I learned that success is not just about talent but hard work, perseverance, and determination. It showed me that the limitations of my condition did not have to define me. Running became more than a sport that I competed in; it became a lifestyle that I embraced with a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance. My love for running had a tremendous positive impact on my life. It inspired me to push my boundaries beyond the limits, especially in my academic pursuits. As a minority female, I was often discouraged by people who believed that engineering was a male-dominated field and that I would not be able to succeed in it. But I refused to let limitations define me, much like how my bronchiolitis was no obstacle to my love of running. Continuing from where we left off earlier, my love for running had a tremendous positive impact on my life, inspiring me to push beyond my perceived limits in my academic pursuits. As a minority female, I was often discouraged by people who believed that engineering was a male-dominated field and that I would not be able to succeed in it. However, I refused to let limitations define me, just like how my bronchiolitis did not define my running abilities. I applied to Chemical Engineering programs, inspired by my love for science and technology and the desire to make a positive impact on the environment. Though I was initially intimidated by the complexity and rigor of the program, I find the challenge to be exhilarating rather than daunting. I discovered that my passion for running prepared me well for the rigorous coursework, teaching me to cultivate resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity. My defiance of bronchiolitis by excelling in competitive running later in life has taught me resilience, determination, and perseverance. It has helped me to defy gender norms in pursuing Chemical Engineering as a female minority. But most importantly, it has taught me that limitations are only as real as we allow them to be, and if we have the courage and determination to pursue our dreams, then we can do anything we set our minds to.

Imagine a local entertainment event: what comes to mind? Perhaps lively music, aromatic food vendors, and engaging activities. My impressions of entertainment events were based on childhood memories. All I could remember was my 7-year-old self running for my next prize. At the time, it never crossed my mind how the games or the food got there– I only cared about having fun. But little did my younger self know, my roles would flip in high school and my perspectives would dramatically shift. This journey began in my sophomore year. I was the Underclassmen Representative for Key Club, the largest student-led service organization at Hackettstown High School. Due to the pandemic, though, all of our foundational service opportunities were restricted, including the Arc Mini-Carnival. Key Club has hosted this community-wide indoor event for over 20 years to support the Arc of Warren County, an organization that serves people with developmental disabilities. Determined to continue this legacy, I eagerly proposed an idea to the officer board: host an outdoor Easter event to support the Arc! However, it was denied because our town had not held an Easter event in years, much less for a cause. Although I was disappointed, this fueled my tenacity to be in a position of power and make this idea a reality. The following year, I did just that: I became Key Club President. However, difficulties kept mounting up: our new advisor was far away and our officer board was unresponsive. Despite these challenges, I collaborated with my new advisor to foster a successful service year, reintroduced my event idea to her, and found that she was supportive. Exhilaration hit me, but reality hit harder: neither of us had experience with running events. Yet, in three months, I took on new responsibilities like securing licensures, property permissions, and public safety protocols. During that time, my advisor and I successfully partnered with the Arc of Warren County, Centenary University, and the Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID) to create what became known as the Easter Egg-stravaganza. During the event, I was no longer running around like my 7-year-old self for prizes. For over 8 hours straight, I ran around supervising over 30 volunteers, assisting several local business stations and vendors, and managing nearly 1,000 attendees across three townships. Before my eyes, the event expanded from not only supporting the Arc but to reinvigorating struggling communities during the pandemic. To say this journey was overwhelming is an understatement. Nevertheless, it has opened my eyes to the power of perseverance. Had I not defended and acted on my idea, I would not have had the privilege of leading Key Club to be earmarked in Radiothon 2022 for impacting 1,100 individuals with developmental disabilities and establishing local history for initiating the first time that Centenary University and the Hackettstown BID collaborated for a cause. In changing my community, I have changed myself. I have become a stronger and more independent leader who is more open to the unknown– never settling for less than what I have worked for. I am still weary of uncertainty, but after this journey, I have acknowledged that achievements do not come without struggles. As I enter uncharted territory in college, I have no doubt that there will be many overwhelming responsibilities. With a passion to lay my own foundation for impacting the world, I am excited and ready to accept these responsibilities, big or small, in stride, because there is more than meets the eye.

Innovation and science have been the driving force behind solving some of the world's biggest challenges. However, the increasingly urgent issues of energy and climate change call for solutions that are both inventive and sustainable. From the need for alternative energy sources to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the challenges posed by energy consumption and climate change are pressing and complex. But fortunately, through the marriage of innovation and science, we have been able to create groundbreaking solutions to these everyday societal challenges. One such solution is the rise of renewable energy sources. We have been able to harness natural sources like wind, sun, and water to generate clean energy. These alternative energy sources, in turn, have helped to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and their associated environmental impacts. Moreover, the use of renewable energy has sparked a technological revolution. From the development of efficient solar panels to the creation of advanced wind turbines, innovative thinking combined with scientific knowledge has allowed us to improve renewable energy's efficiency and accessibility. Another example of science and innovation working together is the creation of energy-efficient buildings. The construction industry has traditionally been one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce the environmental impact of buildings, engineers, and architects have incorporated innovative techniques and technologies that ensure buildings are designed to be energy-efficient. Through the use of materials that enhance insulation, windows that capture light, and ventilation systems that reduce energy usage, we are creating buildings that consume significantly less energy. Additionally, with the development of smart technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), such buildings are becoming more accessible and more efficient. Science and innovation have also led to the creation of electric vehicles and other low-emission transportation solutions. Current trends in transportation have a tremendous impact on the environment and climes worldwide. Traditional vehicles rely entirely on fossil fuels, and as a result, heavy particulate emissions that pollute the air we breathe. The combination of science and innovation has yielded eco-friendly transportation alternatives, for example, electric vehicles. Right from the effective engines to the batteries that power these vehicles and their improved charging times, the electric vehicles' technology has significantly improved in recent years. There are also various alternative fuels in use today, such as biodiesel, that aim to reduce the environmental impact of traditional transportation methods further. Finally, innovation combined with science has also resulted in sustainable lifestyle changes that combat the trend of overconsumption. Today, people are turning towards more sustainable and ethical products, from food, clothing to cleaning products, to reduce their environmental impact. In addition, sustainable products are designed to be recycled, bio-degradable, or reusable, and other practices like ethical trade reforms and the reduction of CO2-emitting packaging materials make these products environment-friendly. As people increasingly prioritize sustainable products over environmentally harmful alternatives, we are seeing a significant shift in the demand for eco-friendly products, influencing production industries to follow suit with eco-friendly alternatives. In conclusion, innovative thinking combined with science has been instrumental in creating solutions to the everyday societal challenge of energy and climate change. The development of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient buildings, eco-friendly transportation, and sustainable lifestyle changes stem from this partnership. As we continue to tackle these crucial issues, the integration of science and innovation should remain at the forefront of our approach to promoting sustainable and responsible living. By doing so, we can create a safe and clean future for generations yet to come.

As our global energy-and-environmental crisis continues to worsen every day, scientists are working tirelessly to find a sustainable-and-efficient source of energy. Among all the renewable energy sources, hydrogen fuel cells (HFCs) have been identified as one of the best solutions. The immense potential of HFCs has inspired me to pursue chemical engineering as a career to play my part in driving the future of energy. The HFC is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. The reaction involves combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce water, generating electricity and heat. This technology can change the world's energy landscape by providing clean-and-abundant power while reducing carbon emissions. HFCs have various advantages over other energy sources such as emitting only water vapor, providing constant electricity, and having a high fuel efficiency ratio. A key factor that got me interested in HFCs is their application in transportation. Transportation is one of the significant contributors to emissions of greenhouse gases that have detrimental effects on our environment. By using HFCs in place of internal combustion engines, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions. Considering the weak energy efficiency of traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, fuel cell technology is many times more efficient. HFCs offer a cleaner and less noisy alternative to combustion engines and provide a more sustainable approach to transportation that benefits both the environment and the consumer. Apart from transportation, I am passionate about using fuel cell technology in the power generation sector. HFCs have the potential to solve the intermittency issues that affect renewable energy generated from wind or solar. With fuel cells, excess power from clean sources can be captured and stored when it's available and called upon when it's needed. This would break the gaps in clean energy production and provide a constant supply of clean power to infrastructure. HFCs have the potential to revolutionize our world by providing sustainable solutions to both the energy crisis and the environmental crisis. This is what inspired me to pursue a career in chemical engineering. As a chemical engineer, I believe I will be uniquely positioned to help develop and refine fuel cells that can drive a clean energy future, and work towards a sustainable planet. My passion for this field has only been strengthened by my understanding of the incredible potential of this technology, and I am determined to continue to work hard to bring this vision to fruition.

Throughout my academic career, science has always been my favorite subject. From learning about the fundamental principles of biology to the intricate workings of physics, the potential behind science and its ability to solve problems has always been my biggest source of inspiration. Over time, I’ve become more interested in the role of science in society and the environmental challenges our world faces. This interest led to the creation of my AP Chemistry research project on hydrogen fuel cells, a technology that I believe can help solve our global energy-and-environmental crisis if given the proper resources. My interest in hydrogen fuel cells began when I stumbled upon a documentary discussing the potential of this technology to solve the global energy crisis. I was fascinated by the idea of hydrogen fuel cells and how they have the potential to provide a sustainable, renewable source of energy. Hydrogen fuel cells work by combining hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity, with the only byproduct being water. This is markedly different from the current sources of energy we rely on such as fossil fuels, which produce harmful emissions that contribute to global warming and climate change. As I began my research project on hydrogen fuel cells, I discovered that they are already being utilized in certain industries, such as transportation. However, the adoption of hydrogen fuel cells is still limited due to a lack of infrastructure and investment, and the high costs of producing hydrogen. This led me to the heart of my research question: what needs to be done to make hydrogen fuel cell technology more accessible and cost-effective? I started to look into the current research being done on hydrogen fuel cells and found that there are several key areas where improvements could be made. For instance, the production of hydrogen is expensive because it requires a lot of energy. Researchers are currently exploring ways to create hydrogen through renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, which would bring down the cost significantly. Additionally, there is a lot of room for improvement in the materials used in the construction of hydrogen fuel cells, specifically in finding more cost-effective and long-lasting materials. As I delved deeper into the research, it became clear that proper funding and investment were needed to make these improvements a reality. Developing and implementing renewable energy sources and more efficient materials is a costly endeavor, and it is essential that governments and private investors recognize the importance of this technology and support its growth. This research has pushed me to think beyond academia and consider the real-world implications of scientific research. It has made me understand the importance of advocating for funding and investment in science and technology and how it can have a significant impact on society. In conclusion, my AP Chemistry research project on hydrogen fuel cells has been a valuable experience, pushing me outside my comfort zone to tackle a real-world problem that I’m passionate about. My research has made me realize that science has a vital role to play in solving the environmental challenges we currently face. While there is still a lot to be done in the field of hydrogen fuel cell technology, I am optimistic about its potential to provide clean and sustainable energy to the world. I believe that it is crucial for governments and private investors to recognize the importance of investing in renewable energy sources and efficient materials to further develop and implement this technology. It is up to us, the future scientists and engineers, to fight for change and make an impact on the world.

Growing up as a first-generation Vietnamese American, I was aware of the sacrifices my parents had made for me and my sister. They left behind their home country, their families, and their language in search of a better future for us. Although they struggled to navigate a new society, they never lost sight of their ultimate goal: to provide us with opportunities they never had. My parents’ sacrifices and hard work instilled a sense of resilience and determination. Despite facing barriers, I was determined to pursue a path that would allow me to make a meaningful impact. From a young age, I was interested in science and technology, constantly tinkering with electronics and experimenting with different materials. As I progressed in my education, I became increasingly interested in renewable energy technologies. I was particularly drawn to the potential of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro to produce clean energy that could help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the effects of climate change. I was fascinated by the technological advancements that had been made in this field and was eager to learn more about how these solutions could be implemented on a larger scale. Despite my interest in science and technology, it was not until high school that I discovered my passion for chemical engineering (ChemE). I was drawn to the practical problem-solving skills required in ChemE and the potential for impact in tackling real-world issues. As I delved deeper into my studies, I realized that engineering was the perfect field for me to merge my interest in science and technology with my desire to make a positive impact. As an aspiring woman in engineering, I am aware of the underrepresentation of women and minorities in this field. This lack of diversity not only limits the perspectives and solutions brought to the table but also perpetuates a system of inequality and exclusion. Despite these challenges, I am determined to be a trailblazer for other young women and minorities, to encourage them to pursue careers in engineering and inspire them to make a difference. My goal is to become the first woman engineer in my family to discover renewable energy technologies to tackle our global energy and environmental crises. This is not just a personal ambition, but a broader societal imperative. The challenges we face as a global community are complex, but we have the technology, talent, and resources to address them. Renewable energy has the potential to revolutionize our energy systems and transform the way we think about sustainability and the environment. As an engineer, I want to be part of this revolution. I want to help design and implement solutions that can make a tangible impact on our world. I want to work towards a future where clean energy is readily available to all, regardless of socioeconomic background or geographic location. I want to be a role model for young women and minorities, to show them that engineering is not just a field for white men in lab coats, but a dynamic and diverse industry with endless potential. My journey as a first-generation Vietnamese American and a woman striving towards ChemE has shaped my perspective and aspirations. I am grateful for the sacrifices my parents made and the opportunities they have provided me. I am inspired by the challenges ahead and the potential of renewable energy technologies to transform our world. I am dedicated to using my skills and platform as an engineer to make a positive impact and to inspire others to do the same.