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Sukhman Dhillon

1,985

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am a 21 year old independent student in STEM who has been maintaining a minimum 3.25 GPA in college. I am on the Honor Society, and on the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I have had the privilege to be a student representative on a tenure committee for a professor. I have been dedicated to my college education, such as having my Associates in Science with a focus in Biological Studies at Clark College in 2023, and now pursuing a dual degree in Biology and Environmental Ethics and Policy at the University of Portland. My future goals after graduating with my degrees are to attend law school to specialize in intellectual property law with a keen interest in protecting and promoting innovation for a sustainable future. Driven by my desire to assist in the creation of environmentally conscious inventions I came to develop this interest when I was a child, I had sat down in front of the TV, switched to the Discovery Channel by chance and came face to screen with the most amazing creature I have ever seen, a giant Great White Shark. Immediately, I immersed myself into all kinds of books, shows, movies, and documentaries all about sharks. When researching sharks, I always find myself looking up conservation efforts to increase the populations of endangered sharks’ species, as well as looking at what steps I could take personally to donate to these conservation efforts.

Education

University of Portland

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
    • Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy

Clark College

Associate's degree program
2021 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Law
    • Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Law Practice

    • Dream career goals:

      Intellectual Property Law

    • Dispatcher

      Sonia Dispatch LLC
      2020 – 20211 year

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Oregon Science Olympiad Event Leader — Event Supervisor, Assistant, & Grader
      2024 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Minority/BIPOC Students in STEM Scholarship
    My decision to pursue a dual degree in Biology and Environmental Ethics & Policy is rooted in a passion for scientific innovation and a commitment to ethical decision-making. From an early age, I was fascinated by how biological discoveries shape the world, from medical breakthroughs to environmental conservation. As I progressed in my studies, I realized that scientific advancements do not exist in isolation—they are deeply intertwined with legal and ethical considerations. This realization led me to explore the intersection of science, ethics, and law, ultimately inspiring my goal of becoming a patent lawyer. Biology has provided me with a strong foundation in understanding the mechanisms of life, from microbiology to ecology. Meanwhile, my coursework in environmental ethics and policy has sharpened my ability to critically analyze the broader societal and ethical implications of scientific progress. Studying these disciplines together has given me a unique perspective on how laws and regulations can shape technological and environmental advancements. For instance, my research on ethical justifications for conservation policies has demonstrated the importance of legal frameworks in protecting biodiversity while balancing economic and societal interests. Beyond academics, my experiences in leadership and research have reinforced my interest in intellectual property law. Serving as treasurer of the Archaeology Society Club has given me insight into the protection of cultural and historical artifacts, an area that intersects with intellectual property rights. Additionally, my involvement in the Ethics and Bioethics Team has allowed me to engage with debates on biotechnology, genetics, and environmental justice—issues that frequently arise in patent law. These experiences have strengthened my ability to think critically, communicate complex ideas, and advocate for ethical solutions. As a future patent lawyer, I aim to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and legal protection. I want to help researchers, inventors, and companies navigate intellectual property laws to ensure that their work is protected while also considering its ethical and environmental impact. Whether working on patents for medical technologies, renewable energy solutions, or environmental biotechnology, I hope to contribute to a legal system that fosters both innovation and responsibility. My pursuit of this degree is more than an academic endeavor—it is a step toward a career where I can combine my scientific background with legal expertise to shape policies that drive ethical and sustainable technological advancements. By integrating science, ethics, and law, I hope to make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving landscape of intellectual property and innovation.
    Minority/BIPOC Students in STEM Scholarship
    I am a double degree major in biology and environmental ethics and policy, I chose these majors because I have a strong affinity for the ocean and the environment. I used to be really fascinated by the ocean as a kid, especially sharks, and still am now as an adult. A great desire to protect these endangered species and their natural habitats developed out of this curiosity. I will be better able to comprehend the moral dilemmas raised by environmental issues and the regulations governing conservation efforts if I study environmental ethics and policy. Knowing this, I can now support policies and eco-friendly actions that safeguard the ocean and all of its inhabitants, including sharks. In addition to my intense passion for biology, I have studied the complexities of the natural world and the biological processes that determine a species' ability to survive, particularly in the face of human impact. My goal is to gain more knowledge about science and support programs that look into marine biology and conservation by using the skills I'm studying. By merging these two scholarly fields, I hope to close the knowledge gap between science and policy by putting forward workable conservation strategies supported by both empirical data and moral reasoning. In addition, I want to use my knowledge of environmental ethics, policy, and biology to use the legal system to promote environmental protection. I want to go to law school because of this. I believe that the most useful instrument for developing eco-friendly technologies and inventions that support sustainability and lessen environmental damage is patent law. Working closely with scientists, engineers, and environmentalists as a patent lawyer, I will defend the intellectual property rights of cutting-edge technologies that could transform environmental protection and fight climate change. As I consider the impact I want to have on my field of work, I want to be an agent of change who pushes for laws that put sustainability and environmental protection first. Through the application of my distinct combination of experience in biology, policy, ecology, and patent law, I hope to advance environmental projects that support biodiversity, ecological resilience, and conservation. Through my work, I hope to persuade decision-makers in government, business, and the general public to adopt sustainable practices and promote a mutually beneficial coexistence of environmental preservation and human development. Educating people about the value of nature and the need to protect the planet's finite resources is my goal in order to help them become proactive change makers in the environmental conservation space. By defending marine ecosystems, promoting the advancement of green technologies, and endorsing sound environmental policies, I hope to leave a lasting legacy that safeguards our planet for coming generations.
    Sukhman Dhillon Student Profile | Bold.org