About Nalani
Bio
As a Hispanic woman in STEM, I have faced adversity and learned the significance of advocating for myself while seizing every opportunity.
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Throughout my childhood and educational journey, I consistently pursued the road least traveled. In doing so, I expanded my thinking and perspective on the world as well as myself.
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As a challenge, for instance, I enrolled in my high school IB Program, through which I developed the skills, practices, and perspectives of a "life-long learner." Being able to consider a wide range of viewpoints and to think critically about ideas has greatly impacted my understanding of the world around me as well as the role I want to play in it. Such lessons paved the way for my admittance into the University of Florida Honors and Undergraduate Research Scholars Programs, where I can continue to cultivate my knowledge.
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Having loved nature and the idea of outer space from a young age, I knew I wanted to study the natural sciences--my experiences in IB Biology and Physics solidified this choice. I am currently in pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a minor in Geology.
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As a compassionate team player with excellent work ethic and an eagerness for solving problems, I envision an exciting future in these scientific- and engineering-based disciplines.
“Everything is theoretically impossible until it is done.”
- Robert A. Heinlein
Goals
My career goals include studying geobiology and space engineering, eventually earning a PhD. I hope to conduct research in genetic engineering and astrobiology so that I may participate in the discovery of extraterrestrial life and contribute to the development of strategies to apply our knowledge about the Earth to other planetary bodies.
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Moreover, I am passionate about environmental sustainability and would therefore love to eventually lead my own research team to travel across the globe in an effort to study the Earth and discover new methods of sustaining life.
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Ultimately, I want to revolutionize the world through scientific discovery and give back to the community that has provided me with the tools necessary to pursue my dreams.
Hobbies
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Traveling
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Playing guitar
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Cooking/baking
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Painting/crafting
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Reading
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Pilates
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Old music
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Documentaries
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Adventure films
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Hiking