Gabrielle Wood is the class of 2021 Valedictorian for the Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology from metro-Atlanta, Georgia. She aspires to work on global solutions to environmental challenges through research and collaboration with businesses and governments. She is currently working towards this goal as a Karsh STEM Scholar at Howard University majoring in chemical engineering. She plans to pursue a PhD in Environmental Engineering.
During her high school years, Gabby conducted several scientific research projects, founded an entrepreneurship club, was the starting pitcher for the varsity softball team, organized events within the environmental club, and served as the parliamentarian of the student council. She is very grateful for the FOSSI scholarship, and for all of her family and friends who continue to support her in her life journey. She would especially like to acknowledge her parents, two younger sisters, and her mini-golden doodle, Franklin.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
Gabrielle: I am passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field because STEM is the future of our society. Through pursuing a degree in STEM, I will gain an understanding of the subjects and conduct ground-breaking research that can solve some of the environmental problems that we face today. I specifically want to go into chemical engineering for my undergraduate degree because I know that it covers a wide range of material. Furthermore, some chemical engineering discoveries have contributed to the creation of environmental problems such as global climate change and plastic pollution, which are the same problems that I want to be able to understand and solve.
FOSSI: Why is receiving the FOSSI scholarship important for you?
Gabrielle: I am extremely grateful to receive the FOSSI scholarship because it will help ease the financial burden of paying for my undergraduate education and will provide invaluable opportunities in networking, mentorships, and internships. I also appreciate that this scholarship is providing opportunities not only for me, but for other underrepresented minorities in STEM at HBCUs to help foster growth in these areas for several years to come. I believe this work is important because it will bring diversity to key decision making spaces. Thus, there will be an increase in equity and the improvement of the quality of solutions to our society's most pressing issues.
Receiving this scholarship is an honor for me because it represents the bigger-picture. This will continuously motivate me to make good on the FOSSI investment for the future as I go after my goals.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
- My favorite color is green.
- I pitched fast-pitch softball growing up.
- I am the oldest of 3 sisters.
- One of my favorite "quarantine" hobbies is practicing Spanish. One of the ways I do this is by listening to music, including salsa, bachata, merengue, and reggaeton.