Unwrapped Earth

Science has been a subject that has piqued my interest since childhood. In Earth Science as an 8th grader, I was amazed by the universe’s vastness and how small we are within it, being on a small planet in an endless universe. In contrast, when I took Biology in 9th grade, I discovered the other end of the scale – how communities of microbes inhabit our bodies, each tiny but vital to life. I enjoyed the way science could step back and consider the universe or step forward and discover tiny worlds within us. It revealed that science is very wide-ranging, with infinite directions to follow.

My broader interest in science motivated me to learn about sustainability. I discovered and attended the ‘Future Leaders of AI’ program, where I designed a chatbot to raise awareness about rising sea levels in New York City. This taught me that there are many areas of sustainability – from technological innovation to community-driven solutions.

My interest in sustainability allowed me to look for different clubs, organizations, internships, and research opportunities in my area. I’ve witnessed different forms of environmental sustainability through the Project Green club at my school and my internship at The Spaceship Academy. In Project Green, I help teach my community about sustainable actions, including the conservation of energy , waste reduction, composting, through visits to the library and workshops. We have also hosted various hands-on activities that are targeted at a younger audience to educate and encourage them to pay more attention to their environment. While interning at The Spaceship Academy, I am targeting solutions for quick impact such as developing a program to help people monitor and reduce their transportation carbon footprint. Although this project in the making, together, these experiences have showed me that sustainability can be reached through many different ways, whether it is through education or through action.

I have recently been very interested in the connection between environmental sustainability and human health. Searching for researchers who conduct research on environmental sustainability, I explored NYU research programs. As NYU is both a medical center and university, I was surprised to discover that there were so many professors, even many with PhDs, doing research not just on environmental science but also on the impact of the environment on human health. One of their studies that I immediately took notice of was on environmental factors affecting pregnant women, how air pollution affects maternal and infant health. Unfortunately, this researcher is not accepting any highschoolers, but I was struck with how environmental issues aren’t entirely about the planet – they have concrete effects on humans’ lives and health status.

This gave me the incentive to look deeper into healthcare’s role in sustainability. I learned that while hospitals are necessary for saving lives, they are also polluters through energy consumption, single-use plastics, and medical waste. I learned examples of solar panels being used by hospitals as an energy source and the use of biodegradable material to reduce single-use plastics. I also learned that efficient disposal of medical waste prevents hazardous chemicals from causing environmental pollution, protecting ecosystems as well as human health. This intersection of healthcare and sustainability is compelling because it addresses two major issues at once – protecting both the Earth and its people.

Sustainability is such a broad topic, and the more I read about it, the more questions arise. I would like to continue to explore such areas as sustainable agriculture, green technology, and how industries can work together and solve environmental issues. I hope to remain connected with experts, push myself through new ventures, and share the knowledge that I acquire through this blog.

Science doesn’t just give answers – it allows us to solve the world’s biggest problems. My journey has only just begun, and I look forward to seeing what my sustainable curiosity brings.