I began my involvement with GEST by contributing to the website and technology and fundraising initiatives. In 2023, I transitioned into the role of President, leading the organization through its formalization under Duke’s Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG). During my time as President, I have overseen multiple leadership teams and helped expand the organization’s programming capacity, including the development of internal newsletters and interdisciplinary events. A central focus of my leadership has been fostering connections across Duke programs, including collaborations with the Nicholas School of the Environment, Marine Science and Conservation Division, School of Nursing, Spires Fellows Program, Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Superfund Research Center, Evolutionary Anthropology Program, and the Shared Materials and Instrumentation Facility, among others. From these connections as well as external sponsorships, I have helped to raise over $14,000 for STEM outreach for youth. I also helped expand the organization’s integration of creative expression into scientific spaces, including a collaboration with the Duke Arts “Ready, Set, Resilience” program, which featured the puppet performance Live Oak in the Wind as part of our annual event programming. Through these efforts, I have worked to strengthen both interdisciplinary engagement and creative scientific community-building. This year, I am even more excited to delve deeper into exploring the creative capacity of our organization to help excite youth into STEM!