Weaving Code, Climate, and Community From the moment I coded my first Python script, I realized that computer science is not just a field of study—it is a tool for transformation. I envision a future where technology and environmental science converge to combat climate change and improve our planet's resilience. As a Latina woman passionate about environmental sustainability, my journey bridges computer science with fostering an inclusive and sustainable world. My primary goal in computer science is to specialize in computational modeling and data-driven solutions for pressing environmental issues. During my summer internship at Stanford's Dirzo Lab, I worked alongside PhD candidates studying the impacts of rodent damage on oak regeneration. This experience revealed the transformative power of computational tools in ecological research and reinforced my commitment to leveraging computer science for global challenges. To advance this ambition, I've pursued coursework in Python, R, and machine learning through Girls Who Code and the Climate Change + AI Summer School. Currently, I'm conducting a winter term directed study in ecological modeling, creating dynamic population models to predict species extinction risk. These experiences have built my foundation for earning a computer science degree focused on artificial intelligence applications in sustainability. Beyond computer science, I'm deeply invested in environmental advocacy. Through Choate Rosemary Hall's Environmental Immersion Program, I conducted independent research on artificial light's effects on aquatic ecosystems, presenting my findings to policy advocates at Lights Out Connecticut. I also co-founded Just Ecological, a youth-led organization facilitating cleanups across two continents while educating communities about climate justice. These experiences taught me that science alone cannot drive change—it must partner with strong communication, advocacy, and policy engagement. As an LGBTQIA+ leader serving as Editor-in-Chief for Choate's Voices LGBTQ+ magazine and as a Society of Women Engineers SWENext Influencer, I've worked to dismantle barriers and empower underrepresented groups in STEM. My long-term goal integrates environmental advocacy with tech-driven solutions to inspire systemic change in climate policy and STEM diversity. The convergence of computer science and environmental science offers unparalleled potential for impact. By pursuing computational ecology and environmental policy, I plan to develop AI-driven models forecasting climate impacts and guiding urban planning, such as optimizing green infrastructure to reduce urban heat islands. These models could help policymakers implement targeted solutions while minimizing risks. I envision establishing a startup combining data science, ecological expertise, and public engagement to tackle global sustainability challenges. This initiative would create open-access tools for communities to track carbon footprints, develop sustainability plans, and engage in grassroots climate action. To ensure inclusivity, I'll design interfaces accessible to neurodiverse individuals and incorporate perspectives from historically marginalized communities. To actualize this vision, I'm building skills and networks through organizations like Engineers Without Borders and Women in Computer Science, participating in sustainability-focused hackathons, and securing mentorship through professional organizations. My background as a queer woman of color drives me to advocate for greater representation in tech, ensuring future solutions reflect diverse voices and experiences. The Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship will enable me to continue weaving together my passions for coding, environmental science, and advocacy—driving impactful change and inspiring others at the intersection of technology and social good.

Growing up as the daughter of immigrant parents, I witnessed firsthand how determination and education could transform lives. Their courage to leave everything familiar behind to pursue opportunities in the US taught me that meaningful change often requires taking bold steps into the unknown. This lesson has shaped my own journey as I navigate being a Hispanic, neurodivergent young woman pursuing a path in STEM. My passion lies at the intersection of computer science and climate science, where I aim to develop computational models that can help us better understand and address environmental challenges. This interest was sparked during my childhood in Northern California, where increasingly severe wildfires and droughts made the reality of climate change impossible to ignore. While others saw devastating natural disasters, I saw complex systems that could potentially be understood and improved through the power of predictive modeling. As someone diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school, I've learned to harness my tendency for intense focus and pattern recognition into a strength. Where others might see scattered data points, I see fascinating interconnections. This perspective has proven valuable in my research, like during my internship at a Stanford ecology lab where I helped analyze oak regeneration patterns, or in my directed study on ecological modeling where I'm developing systems to predict species extinction risks. Being part of the mere 2% of Hispanic women in computing has made me acutely aware of the importance of representation in STEM fields. Through my role as a Society of Women Engineers SWENext Influencer, I mentor younger girls and create content highlighting the intersections of computer science, engineering, and environmental science. I want to show other young Hispanic women that they belong in these spaces and that their unique perspectives are valuable to the field. Looking ahead, I envision using my skills in computational modeling to develop tools that can help communities prepare for and adapt to climate change. Whether it's optimizing urban planning to reduce heat islands, designing more efficient renewable energy distribution systems, or creating models to protect biodiversity, I want to bridge the gap between complex environmental data and actionable solutions. But beyond the technical aspects, I aim to make environmental science more accessible and inclusive. Growing up, I rarely saw people who looked like me in STEM leadership roles. I want to change that narrative by becoming a visible role model and mentor, particularly for other neurodivergent and minority students interested in environmental science and technology. Through my organization Just Ecological, I've already begun this work by facilitating environmental cleanups across three continents and creating educational content that makes climate science approachable for youth from diverse backgrounds. The environmental challenges we face today demand solutions that are both technically sophisticated and deeply human. Through my work in computational modeling and climate science, I aim to create tools that help communities build resilience in the face of environmental change. Whether it's helping city planners design greener spaces, empowering local organizations with data-driven insights, or inspiring the next generation of diverse STEM leaders, I want my work to have tangible benefits for people and the planet. As the daughter of immigrants who dared to dream of better possibilities, I believe that technology can be a powerful force for positive change when guided by empathy and a commitment to serving others. By combining innovative modeling with inclusive leadership, I hope to contribute to building a future where both people and the environment can thrive.

My journey in STEM has been a continuous interplay of curiosity, resilience, and impact. From co-founding Just Ecological, a global youth-led environmental advocacy organization, to conducting ecological modeling research at Stanford’s Dirzo Lab, my experiences have solidified my passion for solving climate challenges through computational models. The challenges I’ve faced as a young woman in STEM have been both internal and external: navigating self-doubt in male-dominated spaces, advocating for my vision as a Head Conservation Proctor, and overcoming setbacks like a third concussion that temporarily barred me from computer use during a pivotal coding project. These experiences taught me adaptability and self-advocacy, critical skills that have strengthened my resolve to carve a space for myself and others in STEM. My passion for STEM stems from its potential to predict and transform the future. This was sparked in my sophomore year of high school, when I read the 2019 IPCC report on climate projections—I realized that predictive modeling could create actionable solutions for pressing environmental challenges. Discovering the power of computational modeling felt like holding a crystal ball powered by algorithms and data. This inspired me to dive into computational modeling, first through my Environmental Immersion Program capstone research on light pollution and later through my winter-term directed study in extinction risk modeling. My results, such as identifying blue light as a safer alternative to green wavelengths in reducing algal blooms, demonstrated how models can inform sustainable policy. What drives me is the vision of transforming abstract algorithms into tools that optimize urban planning, renewable energy distribution, and biodiversity conservation. I envision using STEM to create scalable, equitable solutions that bridge the gap between policy, science, and community action. Whether through AI-assisted urban planning or mapping biodiversity hotspots, I aim to contribute to a sustainable future while championing underrepresented voices in this field. My extracurricular STEM activities have been a crucible for leadership development and tangible impact. As the Chief Layout Editor of The Choate News, I trained 15 peers in layout software while balancing design with clear communication, ensuring 50+ issues resonated with our audience. Similarly, in Girls Who Code and the Society of Women Engineers’ SWENext program, I led workshops, panel discussions, and grew outreach to the LatinX community that encouraged young women to envision themselves as STEM changemakers. These roles honed my ability to empower others and lead with inclusivity. My research internships at Vielva Lab in Spain and the Dirzo Lab in California further reinforced collaborative leadership—I contributed ideas, provided feedback, and bridged gaps between team members with diverse backgrounds. My role as Head Conservation-Proctor, where I spearheaded a campus-wide water conservation campaign engaging over 200 students, exemplifies how STEM leadership can foster community-driven solutions. Moving forward, I plan to apply these leadership skills by fostering inclusive research environments and interdisciplinary teams. I'm aiming to defy the statistics including the fact that Hispanic women make up only 2% of computing-related roles (2020) and comprise 1-2% of Computer Science PhDs. I want to change the face, and the heart, of high-impact research in sustainability. As an aspiring climate science researcher, I aim to lead ventures that align innovation with ethics, using computational tools to solve complex global problems while mentoring the next generation of women in STEM. I envision building ventures that create impactful technologies, like carbon sequestration models or AI-driven resource management systems, while advocating for equitable representation in STEM leadership. The lessons I’ve learned in building connections, overcoming adversity, and leading with empathy will be the foundation for my future impact—creating a world where diverse voices drive transformative solutions and innovation shapes a more sustainable planet.