B.S.: Astrobiology and Abiogenesis

Major, Minor, Certificate, and/or Honors: 

• Biology
• Chemistry 

Degree Mentors: 

• Dr. Stephen Freeland| UMBC Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs
• Dr. Dillon Mahmoudi| UMBC Graduate Program Director for Geography and Environmental Systems (GES) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Steven McAlpine| UMBC Individualized Study Assistant Teaching Professor

Why did you choose to major in INDS?

I chose to major in INDS because the typical Biology classes for the Biochemistry major didn't really fit my interests. I wasn't actually that interested in biology itself, and the biology classes are tailored for students who are pursuing biology research or students in premed. Within INDS, I was able to take the classes that actually interested me and challenged me to carve my own path within my field. I'm taking classes that I never would've been able to as a biology student, and have found crazy new ways of thinking about the origins of life both on Earth and Mars.

What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?

I plan to go to graduate school after graduating. I want to further my skills in GIS and remote sensing especially. I would love to go into research that surveys the surface of Mars, and maybe even one day what its subsurface looks like. From my work experience during my time here, I've also discovered I really enjoy helping students learn that the career world isn't cookie cutter. I see myself mentoring students somewhere down the line and have considered becoming an academic advisor, using my lived experience to help students find their passion as my advisors did for me.

Did you hold any leadership positions, Off-campus internships, or On-campus research experiences?

• Scientific Lead for INDS' Mission to Mars/Europa| An educational RPG tailored to teaching students about the possibility of life on other worlds within the Solar System. (2 years)
• Researcher| URCAD 2026

• Orientation Peer Ambassador| UMBC Admissions (2 years)

Awards, Certifications, Scholarships, etc. that you have received in your time at UMBC: 

• La Noue Award Recipient| September 2026

Any thing you would like to share about your time at UMBC or in the INDS program:

UMBC and INDS has been such an amazing experience and I've found who I truly am here. I've become someone that little me dreamed about and that's such a cool feeling. UMBC brought me out of my shell and I'm so excited to share my experiences here with the world.

For More information on Sofia's INDS journey please Click Here!

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