2024 EDISON SCHOLARS

Alice is a first-generation Brazilian American who understands the challenges and barriers of multilingual communication. Her grandfather is from central Brazil and understands only certain phrases of the Tupi-Guarani Indigenous language.

Alice plans to study computer science, focusing on Natural Language Processing (NLP). She wants to contribute to advancing deep-learning models and low-resource datasets, which would revive Indigenous languages and improve understanding and communication on a global scale.

Adam lives in a rural community in Central California that lacks the resources or funds to support STEM programs. To gain exposure to computer science education, he achieved the prerequisites for dual enrollment at a local college. He believes that expanding the limits of education should not be so difficult. By pursuing a degree in computer science, he hopes to develop new educational learning models and affordable technology that will augment the capabilities of curious students in rural towns and small cities.

While Quinn has already decided to pursue a degree in mathematics, he is also passionate about biology, engineering and computer science. He looks forward to a career that intersects with these fields and involves cutting-edge research and development in biomedical engineering. He hopes to use technology to develop effective and safe kinesiology and prevent sports injuries.

Riley wants to encourage travel and exploration without polluting the planet. To this end, she plans to study mechanical engineering technology and develop a clean energy aircraft that uses electricity-fueled propulsion. She also hopes to collaborate with policymakers, entrepreneurs and social scientists to make that a reality.

Growing up on Catalina Island, Jasmin personally saw the effects of climate change through extreme drought and a shortage of reservoir water. As a result, the community received a desalination plant. Jasmin’s curiosity inspires her to continue her mechanical engineering and materials science education. She hopes to apply her studies to create sustainable technology and machinery to help people worldwide.

Sarina grew up on a naval base, surrounded by scientists and engineers from an early age. Her exposure to hands-on coding projects and industry professionals on the base inspired her to seek a career with the U.S. Department of Defense, focusing on cybersecurity. She looks forward to expanding her programming skills to help protect users’ information and benefit the community.

Roy believes society prioritizes wealth over advancements, creating a monotonous cycle of school/work and sleep, which he hopes to help break. He is pursuing a STEM education to help create a world where people can be entertained purely through their minds using brain-computer interface technology. He would like to develop advancements in video games and make the world an amusing and happy place.

Victoria recognizes the rampant growth of “fake” news across all topics on the internet and wants to advance her education in artificial intelligence, machine learning and language processing to help cross-reference credible sources. Her goal is to create an efficient and accurate model that can significantly reduce the spread of misinformation.

Eileen’s interest in STEM started when she watched a video about the Mars Curiosity Rover, and she has since been fascinated with innovation. She plans to pursue a degree in engineering to help define boundaries and ethical standards in space exploration through technology advancement, public policy and outreach. Her goal is to limit the amount of pollution in space and minimize the human impact on the universe. She also hopes to improve public awareness of the effects of space research and exploration. Eileen encourages future generations to pursue a similar career path.

Millie is concerned about the planet’s deteriorating state due to its dependency on fossil fuels. She understands that air pollution is one of the leading causes of climate change and requires immediate attention. Millie plans to pursue an education in computer science to help continue the advancement of electric vehicles and optimize energy usage and grid integration.

Brigitte Lopez plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering with hopes of one day helping mitigate the global consequences of the aerospace industry on the environment. By advancing her STEM education, she hopes to use cutting-edge resources to support her efforts in developing innovative solutions that bring an environmentally aware perspective to new and existing technologies.

Growing up immersed in her Hispanic culture, Shantel has seen firsthand how cultural foods, the way we diet, socioeconomic status and genetics contribute to overconsumption. She wants to pursue a path in STEM to combat the global rise in obesity.

Dante hopes to support his fellow Christian missionaries by lowering the cost of flights to remote locations where they serve missions. He also wants to one day use his education to advance the fields of sustainable flight and rugged terrain aircraft design, producing an aircraft that will provide missionary families in tribal areas with the means to remain connected with the outside world.

As the captain of her robotics team, Adoniya has witnessed the positive impacts that having access to robotics teams can have on students. She has seen how, even without prior experience, members improve in technical skills, time management, documentation, organization and critical thinking, opening their eyes to the possibilities and the impact they can have on the world through STEM.

Charlize Powell has been building her coding skills and plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity. With a degree in computer science, she hopes to either work as a penetration tester to improve digital security programs or become a “white hat” hacker to build programs that counteract the methods of hackers with ill intent.

Anelle is pursuing a career in civil engineering because she wants to be an example for other young girls interested in STEM careers. She joined her school’s engineering academy and is determined to grow female representation in the group. She is continuing her education to build on the engineering skills she acquired, showing other young girls that a career in STEM is possible.

Cristian is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, where he plans to uplift other first-generation Hispanic students who also dream of a career in STEM. Eventually, he strives to bring about equity for disadvantaged communities.

Kalkidan plans to use her STEM education to show girls that their aspirations are well within reach. In college, she will work toward a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Growing up with his father and grandfather immersed in the world of cars, Stephen developed a passion for mechanics. In college, he plans to study mechanical engineering with a focus on automotive engineering.

Emre strives to delve deeper into artificial intelligence. As the founder of his school’s AI club, he plans to continue his work of facilitating discussions among his peers. He is pursuing a degree in computer science.

With a background in robotics and aerospace, Carlos created a ChatGTP-style counseling platform to help first-generation students who struggle to find counseling for classes, careers and college plans. He plans to pursue a mechanical engineering degree that will help him create and expand similar platforms.

As the president of his school’s technology academy, Erik has had access to various tools to advance his STEM knowledge and skills. He hopes to create more access to STEM programs in schools nationwide.

Ruby is originally from Taiwan, which experiences frequent earthquakes. She faces the same threat living in California. With her passion for mathematics, she is pursuing a degree in civil engineering in college, which she plans to use to help reduce the damage caused by natural hazards through resilient infrastructure.

Andy has always been intensely curious about the world around him. Growing up, his favorite word was “why.” He has leaned into that sense of wonder and is pursuing a computer engineering technology degree. He hopes to one day use his degree to combat vape use and its harmful effects within his community.

In college, Junze will continue her STEM education and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. She hopes to help shift companies away from the mindset of extreme growth for military and technological advancement and lead them to a future where they can focus on moral obligations and improvements for future generations.