Naia Marcelino

Naia Marcelino is a senior at Jose Marti STEM Academy in Union City. Her passions lie in community service and wielding STEM as a tool to improve the conditions of her community. As the founder and president of the Girl’s Power in STEM (GPS) Club, she strives to empower minorities to pursue careers in STEM despite the lack of representation. Naia’s dedication to leadership and initiative have landed her positions as the President of the Science National Honor Society, Vice President of the Brain Bee Club, and Vice President of the Bring Change 2 Mind Club. To continue her contribution to the community, she conducts research as a candidate of the Liberty Science Center’s Partners in Science Program on the brain development of elementary school children in Union City. Her goal is to study the effects of low-income conditions on neural development to strategize a way to ensure equal opportunities and prospects for the future generations. Naia’s passion for neuroscience has driven her to achieve numerous prestigious accolades including 1st place in Behavioral Science at the New Jersey Junior Academy of Science Research Competition and being a NJ Brain Bee state finalist.