You’ve impacted over 10,000 children through MediQuills. How did you build such wide-reaching vaccine literacy initiatives?

The key is putting yourself out there and leveraging social media to scale impact. Many teens believe they can’t create large change because of their age, but social platforms have lowered the barriers. I used to think you needed powerful connections or insane luck to grow a nonprofit, but I’ve learned that with the right strategy, anyone can. MediQuills reached thousands because we met students where they are: online. When your mission is authentic and your message resonates, the right people will follow and the impact grows from there.

You’ve co-published vaccine policy proposals with the EU — what was that process like, and what change are you hoping to create?

Co-publishing vaccine policy proposals with the EU was both challenging and inspiring. I collaborated with researchers and policy leaders to analyze gaps in vaccine equity, especially in low-resource settings. The process involved intense research, interviews, and understanding the policymaking landscape. Our goal was to push for more inclusive, youth-informed policy emphasizing equitable access and innovation funding. As a young researcher, being taken seriously in those rooms was empowering. I hope to create lasting change by proving that young voices can inform global health policy and that science and advocacy must go hand in hand.

How do you balance entrepreneurship, research, and advocacy while still being a student?

Balancing everything comes down to prioritization and efficiency. I’m intentional with my time, scheduling everything from lab work to business meetings, but the biggest driver is passion. When you care deeply, it feels less like work and more like a mission. You don’t necessarily need to spend hours on something to make it impactful; you just have to be strategic. Work expands to fill the time you give it, so I focus on high-impact tasks and say no to what doesn’t align with my goals. I still watch TV every day. It’s important to recharge.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?

I'm a researcher/entrepreneur with an immense interest in mRNA technology. In addition to my patent-pending genomics research, I have developed computational vaccines for MERS (a cousin of COVID-19), Ebola, and glioblastoma (the world’s deadliest brain cancer), all of which have been presented at 6 PhD research conferences. My startup, Vaccelerate, won the Gore Innovation Prize at the Diamond Challenge, the largest youth entrepreneurship competition. I was also named a National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium finalist by the Department of Defense and received 1st place at the National Junior Classical League Convention for my excellence in Latin vocabulary.

You’ve spoken out about being one of the few young women in rooms full of men. How has that shaped your voice as a leader in STEM?

Being one of the few young women in male-dominated spaces has sharpened my resilience and strengthened my voice. It inspired my female advocacy work, especially as CFO of The Formula Project, where I focus on creating opportunities for women in STEM. These experiences have made me more determined to speak up, lead with confidence, and advocate for inclusion. I want to show other girls that their perspectives matter and that they belong. People will try to brush us off, but persistence is everything. This commitment drives me to build a more inclusive future in STEM and beyond.

What advice would you give to other girls who want to pursue science but feel intimidated or underrepresented?

Most guys I meet in STEM, barring a few I truly admire, are incredibly talented at bragging, but confidence doesn’t always equal skill or knowledge, so don’t be intimidated by loud voices. Focus on your work, stay curious, and build your expertise. Impact comes from what you create, not from boasting. Seek mentors and communities that support and value you. Remember, your unique perspective is needed, and you absolutely belong in STEM. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.

Tell us about your startup, Vaccelerate. What challenge does it solve, and how did you turn an idea into an award-winning venture?

Vaccelerate is a startup that accelerates computational vaccine development, addressing the slow pace of traditional vaccine design. Vaccine development can take months or years, which delays responses to fast-moving outbreaks. Our technology speeds up this process by nine times compared to Moderna’s methods, enabling researchers to design and optimize vaccine candidates much faster. By combining advanced algorithms and computational tools, we help make vaccine development more efficient and accessible. Turning this idea into an award-winning venture took dedication and innovative thinking to improving global health through faster, more effective vaccines.

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