Sophia is a sophomore in Columbia College studying biochemistry. In her first few semesters she has connected to the Columbia and New York City community through programs related to her interests in genetics, neuroscience, and pedagogy. She works with the Research Cluster on Science and Subjectivity and the Systems Biology Initiative to lead Glass Half Full or Empty: Illuminating the Human Transcriptome, a biology outreach initiative that works to make scientific research more accessible for high school students. This program empowers students to conduct a novel research project and present it to Columbia students and faculty, while meeting other NYC students. She explores her interest in neurodegeneration as the president of Columbia's chapter of the Brain Exercise Initiative and as a research assistant at the Christine Ann Denny Laboratory. All of these experiences have given Sophia the opportunity to make a positive impact on her community alongside her academic pursuits.