Projects
By age 10, I was out leading beach clean-ups in my city and helping run a small business that sold over 20,000 baked goods to fundraise for local charities.
For as long as I have known, I have always been fueled by a single, overarching goal: to mend the world. All my projects, whether it’s my upcoming book and creative writing, or my research and photography, help further this dream in some capacity, either by telling powerful stories or helping create space for ALL.
earth menders
By showcasing the extraordinary works of diverse environmental change-makers across six continents, my upcoming book aims to inspire anyone, anywhere to make a positive difference for our planet in the capacity that speaks to them.
Over the past year, I have been working closely with 30+ industry leaders to gain an in-depth understanding of their work and their organizations.
Confirmed speakers include Award- and Oscar-Winning Directors (of Netflix’s Our Planet, My Octopus Teacher, and Virunga), Trailblazing Politicians, Renowned Activists, Pioneering Innovators, and Leaders at impact organizations including National Geographic, Sea Shepherd, Intersectional Environmentalist, Fashion Revolution, and more!
Affiliations
Tackling climate inaction: Employing positive, informative storytelling as a medium to combat inaction due to both climate denial and climate anxiety
Providing aspiring changemakers with guidance: Shedding light on dedicated yet relatable role models to promote action via awareness
Celebrating diversity & passion: Recognizing the hard-earned achievements of diverse environmentalists battling the systemic injustices of the climate crisis
Broadening the traditional scope of impact: Demonstrating the idea that positive impact is not homogenous, thereby encouraging people to create change by forging their unique paths
Goals
coming soon <3
Climate Communication
The research focus of my senior project as
an Environmental Policy major was
‘Unearthing Ideal Communication Strategies
to Combat Climate Anxiety + Encourage
Tangible Action.’ The poster for my research study, which highlights my main findings,
was presented at UC San Diego’s
Environmental Systems 2024 Expo.
research
Conservation
As a Research Intern at Sea Shepherd France, I authored four research studies focused on: Remote Electronic Monitoring to Combat Bycatch in the US, Exploring the Impacts of Offshore Windmills on Marine Life, Impacts and Legislative Protections against Deep-Sea Mining, and Investigating the Impacts of Norwegian Farmed Salmon. My findings were used to help inform boycott campaigns and multinational policy recommendations.
Tackling Female Infanticide
I conducted an in-depth study on high female infanticide rates in India and explored potential policy shifts and alternative solutions to address this pressing issue. The summarized ArcGIS webmap version of my study was chosen to be a featured presentation at UC San Diego’s 2024 Urban Studies & Planning Expo.
Market Research
I singlehandedly conducted 100+ interviews with target audiences alongside other extensive market research as part of the core team that created Wonder Girls Academy, a fellowship program focused on transforming the lives of ambitious young girls in India. As a digital marketing intern at a leading Indian advertising firm, my market research helped craft social media strategies for Fortune 500 companies like Reliance and Tata Motors.
Climate Solutions
As a Research Intern at the Indian Space Research Organization, my findings (focused on corporate decarbonization and emission reduction strategies) supported the launch of an upcoming carbon accountability platform.
Other
I have also conducted miscellaneous research focused on SDG-related policy analyses, wildlife crime, alternative proteins, sustainable hospitality strategies, and sustainable municipal planning.
Note: research papers have not been included for confidentiality/privacy purposes. Contact me to learn more about my findings!
impact
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I served on the core team during the development and execution of Wonder Girls' pilot fellowship program, a comprehensive course designed for ambitious young girls to improve their career readiness and harness their full potentials.
My role included conducting extensive market research & outreach, organizing virtual marketing events, and ideating digital marketing strategies.
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I have spent more than half my life as a Youth Wing Member and active volunteer at Toybank, a non-profit that aims to employ play as a developmental tool for children in low-income Indian communities.
My role included volunteer recruitment, driving major fundraising and promotional campaigns, and spearheading partnerships. I was also Keynote speaker at the Toybank Annual Conference 2019.
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Having experienced anxiety and depression during quarantine, I was determined to make other students feel less alone, especially in a country where mental health is a stigmatized concept.
As a result, I co-founded a mental wellness initiative and designed mental health awareness kits that impacted 300+ students in my city.
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I helped integrate several crucial components into mainstream educational curriculums:
Climate Change through my work at UC San Diego's Synthesis Department, which aims to increase interdisciplinary awareness about pressing global issues and encourage effective climate communication. I also designed educational materials as a Teaching Assistant for an Environmental Racism class at UC San Diego
Mental Health through The Happy Project, my mental wellness initiative that impacted 300+ students in India during COVID-19
Gender Equality & Career Readiness as part of the core team that launched the pilot program of Wonder Girls' Fellowship Program
Play as a developmental tool for underprivileged children in India through my work at Toybank
shaping a sustainable planet!
shaping a sustainable planet!
At the age of 17, I decided to channel my passion for environmental advocacy into a podcast featuring a stellar set of global leaders in the sustainability industry. My idea was born out of a desire to help myself and other teenagers better understand how we can actively protect our planet and make a difference in the world.
creative writing
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Most of my writing deals with topics of mental health, socio-cultural issues, and navigating complex emotions.
Read Moon & Stars, my historical short fiction piece based on two best friends separated by the 1947 Partition. Grazie Mama is a three-part creative writing piece inspired by the group of orcas sinking boats off the coast of Gibraltar.
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I enjoy learning about traditional poetic form, yet breaking away from it in a way that is authentic to my voice.
Read my crown of sonnets ('the crown') and villanelle ('the art of origami') based on processing heartbreak, loss, and toxic relationships. My ekphrastic poetry ('inside out' and 'immortalité') often deals with navigating complex emotions by creatively rethinking art or media pieces.
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I strongly believe in the need to make accurate, scientific writing more accessible to the public.
'Sleepless' is a piece dedicated to shining a light on the scientists behind the research we so frequently interact with. 'Intake Notes' is a commentary on modern day healthcare, and blends science with creative writing to better engage the reader. Both pieces attempt to employ creative narratives to factual processes.
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My multicultural upbringing has contributed to my work often stemming from the socio-cultural issues I've grown up witnessing.
Read my creative writing Moon & Stars (based on the 1947 Partition), चलेगा (the Hindi slang term that roughly translates to "it's fine"), or om shanti shanti ShAnTI(a criticism of sati, the ancient Indian practice of burning women on the pyre).
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I enjoy analyzing classic literary works as well as multimedia pieces.
Read my reflection on Intertextuality in Satrapi's Künstlerroman, Persepolis, and my extended analysis of Antagonism in Wuthering Heights.
events
events
The events I organized as Resident Advisor, Undergraduate Housing Advisory Council, and Special Events Assistant at Birch Aquarium reached 2000+ individuals. One of my events, Bounce Bash, served as a Finalist in the Outstanding Social Event at the UC San Diego Residential Life Awards 2024.
My social events helped provide stress-relief, create lasting community relationships, and facilitate inclusive spaces for students. My Heartbreak & Healing Valentine's Day event encouraged self-love and friendship, providing a nurturing space for students during a potentially difficult time of year.
Coordinated cultural and academic events like Holi and Women’s History Month which celebrated diverse identities, as well as Study Jams that supported academic success in community.
Helped students explore their local community by organizing visits including trips to the Cat Lounge and Japanese Friendship Garden.
Actively contributed to team-building events like the Banquet Committee and an Escape Room team-building experience that strengthened bonds among staff.
Supported high-visibility corporate events, conferences, concerts, and weddings which helped boost community engagement, raise funds, and/or spread awareness. (Photo credit: Birch Aquarium)
turtle walker
As Impact & Outreach Coordinator at Turtle Walker, an upcoming award-winning documentary focused on environmental storytelling, I support post-production by organizing community impact screenings, representing our documentary at global film festivals, and spearheading strategic outreach + partnership building.
Turtle Walker is an Emaho Films, HHMI Tangled Bank, and Tiger Baby Studios Production. (Picture Credit: Turtle Walker)
photography
