Hunter College High School
Brooklyn, New York
Marine Science 

My university experience has allowed me to explore different paths and learn about myself and the world in the process. 

Impactful experience: 
Studying abroad in Chilean Patagonia, near the Southern Patagonian Icefield, gave me a new perspective on the glacial environments I had studied in my research projects throughout college. This study abroad experience was abruptly cut short when the COVID-19 pandemic intensified in March 2020, so it also became a lesson in making the most of an amazing opportunity and learning from uncertain times.   

Enjoy most as a TS: 
I appreciate the support of the Top Scholar community. I have been lucky to meet motivated students that push me to do my best and explore new things.

Story: 
My time at UofSC allowed me to explore many ideas and fields more deeply. I was introduced to physical oceanography, glaciology, and sustainable living through my courses, research, and extracurricular activities, which led to my current path pursuing climate science and glaciology research. I spent Summer 2019 in Fairbanks, Alaska, learning about and visiting glaciers for the first time. This experience, which I found while exploring research with professors at UofSC, helped me realize that scientific research could help me realize my goals of contributing to environmental protection and understanding climate change.

Career goals/professional aspirations: 
I would like to pursue academic research in glaciology and climate science, in order to better understand, mitigate, and adapt to climate change. 

Post-graduate plans: 
Zoe plans to spend time after graduation backpacking and working on organic farms in the Eastern U.S.