Major: Forensic Science
Hometown: Irvine, California
Please describe your big idea in a few sentences.
In our internal stomach workings, bacteria contain enzymes called raffinose. This allows our bodies to break down the contents of vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower. Since these bacteria are methanogens, they would be able to release gases that could spin a turbine after processing wasted vegetables.
What impact do you want to have on the world?
To be a good person in my lifetime. Speak up when there’s unfairness and to hopefully make the world a better place for future generations to follow.
How has the Change Maker scholarship and CASNR community helped you discover your passion and grow your skills?
At first, I struggled with identifying my strengths and weaknesses, but the Change Maker Scholarship has really provided me with great resources to establish what I know and don’t know about myself. That’s why I think it’s so important, because you grow personal, social and knowledgeable skills for the future.
How has your mentor/mentors shaped your experience thus far?
It’s been a blast to work with my mentor. He’s super knowledgeable and has guided me through every step of the process of creating my idea. I wouldn’t be where I’m currently at it if it weren’t for him.
What advice would you have for someone who is not sure if they should apply/if their idea is big enough?
Just go for it! I applied a few days before it was due, hoping for some miracle that I would be able to pull through and it all worked out. There’s no harm in throwing an idea out there because it could lead to something big.