Fatima Poonawalla

Fatima zohra Poonawalla is a senior at John P. Stevens High School. Her STEM interests center on using physics and mathematics to address environmental challenges. She has conducted research on environmental and educational equity, presenting her work at Harvard’s Scholarship & Social Justice Conference and Princeton Research Day, where she received the FitzRandolph Gate Award. Fatima was also selected for Columbia University’s Science Honors Program to study quantum physics and is a World Food Prize Borlaug Scholar. She serves as U.S. Civic Engagement Director for the Youth Oceanic Initiative and as a NOAA Ambassador, supporting ocean science initiatives. Fatima also completed a congressional internship with Representative Frank Pallone’s office, where she researched sustainability legislation and communicated with constituents. At school, she has served as president of Astronomy Club and captain of the Quiz Bowl team.