Advocacy/Policy | Laalitya Acharya

Advocacy and Policy Work

While science is incredibly important to me, I believe in the power of science to impact our world. It is for this reason that I am so passionate about the intersection of both science and policy. It is clear that we need scientific solutions to be implemented - whether it is to address the energy crisis, reduce global warming, develop stronger healthcare systems, or more.

By working to create science-based policy, we ensure that science does not only remain in the labs, but is also implemented to solve the issues of today. This is where I hope to spend my career.

As a biomedical engineering and political science student at Columbia, I am working to gain an understanding in both science and policy. I've also been able to work for multiple Congressional opportunities such with Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Jerry Nadler, and for the Congressional Award Program!

Recently, I also worked at and attended the 2022 Concordia Annual Summit. This summit is held in conjunction with UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) week. I met with many international policy experts such as the first female President of Costa Rica, President Laura Chinchilla, and the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy! In addition, we were able to hear remarks from the first lady, Dr. Jill Biden. It was a remarkable chance for me to learn more about policy from the experts who had shaped modern politics.

These experiences in both STEM and policy have fortified by interest to be an advocate for these fields. As the founder of The Nereid Project, an organization that aims to solve the water crisis with research, education and policy, I strive to use an interdisciplinary approach to real world problems. Policy is the implementation of how we solve issues. I aim to wield this as a tool to support STEM and its education.

Nasdaq Closing Ceremony

In honor of National Mentorship Month, I was invited as a member of ETRE Girls to attend the Nasdaq Closing Ceremony in January 2023!

Taco Bell Live Mas Scholar

I was named a Live Mas Scholar and granted a scholarship by Taco Bell for my work in intersecting policy and science. I was also invited to attend the Summer of Creativity Conference 2022 in California to present.

Coca Cola Scholar

The Coke Scholarship is granted to less than 1% of all applicants every year. From nearly 100,000, applicants I was selected to be a Coca Cola Scholar for my academics, volunteering service, and leadership skills.

Science Fair Judging/Organizing

I continue to judge at local science fairs in order to help support STEM research in young students! In this photo, I am judging at my "home" science fair at the University of Cincinnati.

Gloria Barron Young Hero Award

I was selected as Gloria Barron Young Hero and awarded a $10,000 scholarship for my efforts in the water crisis. As the founder of The Nereid Project, I am working to mitigate water poverty through research implementation, educational efforts and policy work.

Congressional Gold Medal Award

I was granted the Congressional Gold Medal Award in 2020 for my science research and STEM education efforts! I served for over 500 hours in my local community (at schools and STEM education centers) in order to alleviate the pressures many schools face.

Global Teen Leader

I was selected as a Global Teen Leader for my work in the water crisis. After seeing the water gap firsthand on a family trip to India, I wanted to help reduce this inequity. Through my organization, we have worked with thousands all across the globe to reach this goal.

Mars Generation 24 Under 24

I was chosen to be on the Mars Gen 24 under 24 list for my efforts to implement STEM innovations into the real world. I believe that science offers a solution to many global concerns, but we must bring it out into application in order to create impact.

Ms. Cincinnati Teen 2022

I was selected to be Ms. Cincinnati Teen 2022. My platform centered around my work as a "STEM" policymaker, while also emphasizing my feminity as an asset. As a proud Woman in STEM, I believe we need to see more representation in all disciplines.

Distinguished Young Women Program

I was chosen to compete at the state level of the DYW program from hundreds of regional applicants. At the state competition, I received first place in the Interview Category, first finalist in the Scholastic Category and won the Judge's Award as well.