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Tala Naffa

6,415

Bold Points

1075x

Nominee

2x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

My name is Tala, and I’m a passionate physics student fascinated by uncovering the hidden layers of reality. From the elegance of higher dimensions to the mysteries of quantum entanglement. I love making science accessible, using creative approaches (like chess as a thought model!) to explain complex ideas in ways that inspire curiosity and wonder. I’m also dedicated to building bridges across cultures. I’m currently working towards a Japanese and Arabic language certification and volunteer as a translator for my community, helping people connect and share ideas without barriers. When I’m not immersed in physics, you’ll often find me reading everything from science books to contemporary fiction, working on outreach projects, or playing chess! My goal? To combine research, communication, and advocacy to make science something everyone can access, and enjoy!

Education

St Catherine University

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Mathematics

Macalester College

Bachelor's degree program
2025 - 2028
  • Majors:
    • Physics

North Hennepin Community College

Associate's degree program
2024 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Mathematics

Independence High School

High School
2018 - 2022

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

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

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Physical Sciences, Other
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
    • Physics and Astronomy
    • Physics
    • Mathematics
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Research

    • Dream career goals:

      Professor of Quantum Mechanics or Mathematician

    • Translator

      Work from Home/Online as Korean, English, and Arabic translator.
      2020 – 20244 years
    • Clerical Assistant

      North Hennepin Community College
      2024 – 2024

    Sports

    Tennis

    Club
    2018 – 20191 year

    Diving

    Club
    2016 – 20226 years

    Track & Field

    Club
    2013 – 202310 years

    Awards

    • 3k Marathon Finisher(2nd place), March 25th 2016(Medal)
    • 2k Marathon Completer, Feb 27th 2015
    • Kids Marathon Finisher, 1st place(Certificate and Medal), March 28th 2014
    • New York, 42KM Virtual Race
    • Dubai, 200KM Virtual Race
    • The Moon, 3KM, Virtual Race
    • The Sun, 100KM Virtual Race
    • London, 21KM Virtual Race
    • Venice, 21KM Virtual Race
    • Paris, 60KM Virtual Race
    • The Pyramids of Egypt, 132KM Virtual Race
    • Taj Mahal, 232KM Virtual Race
    • Pluto, 6KM Virtual Race
    • Jordan Trail, 650KM Virtual Race

    Figure Skating

    Club
    2017 – 20236 years

    Lacrosse

    Varsity
    2019 – 2019

    Dancing

    Club
    2010 – 20199 years

    Awards

    • RAD Grade 4 Distinction Award

    Swimming

    Club
    2012 – 202311 years

    Awards

    • Aqua Splash Swimming Competition Winner
    • 2nd Place Winner in the Swim Gala Race, May 3rd 2019
    • Swimming Relay Race 1st Place(Medal)
    • Treasure Hunt Winner (Aqua), Dec 20, 2018(Certificate and Trophy)
    • Junior Active Club Swimming Activity Appreciation Award, March 2018
    • Aqua Splash Freestyle Race Winner, Junior Division, May 2018
    • Swim Gala Race 1st Place Winner, May 4th 2018
    • Freestyle stroke 1st Place Winner(Trophy)
    • Open Style Swim Race Winner, 1st place(Medal)
    • Open Style Swim Race Winner, 1st place (Medal)
    • Fastest Girl Swimming, 1st place(Medal)

    Badminton

    Club
    2011 – 202312 years

    Awards

    • Participation in the Junior Active Club Tournaments Appreciation Award
    • Group A in the Junior Active Club Level 2 Completer

    Tae Kwon Do

    Club
    2021 – 20221 year

    Football

    Club
    2014 – 20151 year

    Awards

    • Football league Award

    Aerobics

    Club
    2012 – 20197 years

    Awards

    • Appreciation of participation in the Junior Active Club

    Research

    • Physical Sciences, Other

      North Hennepin Community College — Student Researcher
      2025 – 2025
    • Hypertension Intervention

      School — Student, researcher, 3rd Place Winner
      2016 – 2016
    • Diabetes Health Solutions

      School — Student, Researcher, 2nd Place Winner
      2017 – 2017
    • Sustainability Engineering Science

      Think Science (UAE, 2019) — Participator, Student, Researcher, 2nd Place Regional Winner
      2019 – 2019

    Arts

    • Pageants (Hong Kong, UAE, Kuwait, Jordan)

      Performance Art
      The Diva Awards , The Kuwait Pageant Winner, Beautiful Behaviour Queen Award, Participant at Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong, Citizen Star Student Representative Award, Best Halloween Costume Winner
      2013 – 2016
    • Local Kids Magazine (UAE)

      Magazine Embassador
      Kids Magazine golden medal winner for academic excellence, Oct 11th 2017, Kids Magazine honour board winner, June 7th 2017, Kids Magazine travel ambassador Winner, Sep 28th 2016, Kids Magazine travel ambassador (with brother), Dec 7th 2016, Kids Magazine travel ambassador, May 3rd 2017, Kids Magazine Local Ambassador Winner, Aug 17th 2016, Kids Magazine Honour roll, May 4th 2016 and January 13th 2016, Kids Magazine local ambassador, July 20th 2016, Kids Magazine local ambassador, March 2nd 2016
      2013 – 2019
    • School Theatre Club

      Theatre
      Three Little Red Ants, Father's Day Play, UAE National Day, Culture Day, Memeber's Day, Chuseok Celebrations
      2011 – 2019
    • School Traditional Korean Band

      Music
      2021 Chuseok School Celebration
      2021 – 2021
    • School Art Club and Foreign Language Club

      Calligraphy
      Arabic Day Celebration, Korean Language Appreciation
      2015 – 2021
    • School Theatre Club

      Theatre
      UAE National Day Celebrations
      2008 – 2019
    • School Art Club

      Painting
      Still Life paintings
      2019 – Present
    • School Design Club

      Design
      Modified Medical Masks
      2021 – 2022
    • Brooklyn Melodies Dance School/Body and Soul Healthy Club

      Dance
      Gangnam Style Public Cover, WaKa WaKa Original Choreography Dance Recital, Members' Day Dance Performances (2012-2019)
      2010 – 2020

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      School — School Representative
      2010 – 2019
    • Volunteering

      Community — Translator, interpreter
      2020 – Present
    • Advocacy

      Student Government — Student, Idea Leader, Member
      2014 – 2019
    • Volunteering

      School — Tutor Group Leader
      2018 – 2019

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Tala Naffa Student Profile | Bold.org