What AEOP program(s) did you participate in?
eCYBERMISSION
When Did You Participate in an AEOP Program(s)?
I first participated in AEOP’s eCYBERMISSION in 2022 as a 6th grader. My team, River Revivers, was a National Finalist and won that year’s People’s Choice Award. That experience got me hooked. I came back in 7th grade with Concrete Evidence, where we placed second in North Carolina for our project on urban deforestation. Most recently, I was part of Genowise by Genome Genies, our most ambitious project yet — a solution aimed at making DNA screening a routine part of primary care to support early disease detection and intervention. The project was selected as a 2024 eCYBERMISSION National Finalist, marking another major milestone for our team.
What's Something That Has Surprised You About The AEOP Program?
What surprised me most about AEOP was how immersive and real the entire experience felt — way beyond what I expected from a STEM competition. It wasn’t just science and serious project work, but it was full of fun, adventure, and networking. Between team building activities, exploring the city, and bonding with students from across the country, it felt more like a mix of a STEM summit and a summer camp. I didn’t expect to laugh that much, make lasting friendships, and have such a great time while learning.
What Got You Interested In This Program?
What drew me to eCYBERMISSION was how it stood apart from traditional science fairs by combining fun, learning, networking, and adventure into a single experience.
What Is Something You Are Passionate About and Why?
I’m passionate about financial inclusion using microfinance as a tool to create financial opportunities for the underserved communities of the world.
