Reflections of a Scholar: Rooted in Resilience

STEM, Service, and the Power to Adapt

Resilience. That silent force that makes us keep going even when we feel like giving up. It’s not just a trait; it’s a necessity. Whether navigating failed experiments, shifting policies, or the pressure of innovation, resilience is what allows scientists, engineers, and leaders to adapt, persist, and thrive.

At our first conference at the Kathleen W. Ludwig Global Village Living Learning Center at Rutgers University, I saw firsthand this resilience in action. In our first panel, we heard from Dr. Laura Berzak Hopkins, Dr. Nicol Nicola, Michael Geraghty, and Samuel Joisil on how their careers in STEM play such a crucial role in New Jersey’s and the federal government. Mr. Geraghty, NJ’s Chief Information Security Officer,  provided advice on how to bounce back from failure. He highlighted the importance of sticking with your ideas, even if they don’t end up getting pursued. “Don’t ever take no for an answer–unless your idea is a bad idea.” As a student navigating challenging coursework and ambitious goals in STEM, I have faced moments when ideas didn’t land, opportunities slipped away, or self-doubt crept in. But Mr. Geraghty’s words reminded me that resilience isn’t just about enduring; t’s about believing in your vision, even when others don’t see it yet.

Throughout the day, I noticed how resilience fuels innovation in government. Dr. Hopkins, of Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, discussed building bridges between the public and private sectors. This task requires both strategic thinking and emotional endurance. New Jersey Department of Labor’s Dr. Nicola’s work in labor and demographic research showed how data can drive policy, but only if we keep asking the right questions. Samuel Joisil’s commitment to STEM education at the Department of Defense reminded me that resilience also means investing in the next generation, even when the path isn’t clear.

As I connected with fellow Scholars, I realized we each carry our own version of resilience. Some are pursuing nuclear physics, others biomedical engineering, and some, like me, are passionate about healthcare and dermatology. But we share a common drive to use STEM not just for discovery, but for service.

Written by Reindy Sanon, 2026 Scholar

Reindy Sanon is a senior at Carteret High School. She aspires to be a dermatologist and is passionate about skincare science, dermatological research, and inclusive healthcare. She serves as president of her school’s HOSA chapter, a peer tutor, an editor for the literary magazine, and a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Reindy was featured on a podcast during UV Safety Awareness Month, where she discussed myths and risks related to sunscreen in darker skin tones. Outside of STEM, she lectures at her church and spends time with her younger sister.