Alyssa Thomas
Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts
GPA: 3.98
College attending: University of Pennsylvania
Colleges accepted to: University of Arkansas
Honors & Achievements: West Central Regional Science Fair Animal Science first place, National African American Recognition Award, QuestBridge National Match scholar, Arkansas Seal of Biliteracy in French, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Planet Award
Career goal: I plan on pursuing a degree in environmental studies with a concentration in environmental policy and application from the University of Pennsylvania while participating in the pre-law route. In the future, I will pursue postsecondary education at law school. My ultimate career goal is to become an environmental lawyer specializing in clean technology and climate change laws.
Tell us about the teacher, coach or administrator who made a difference in your life: Dr. Lindsey Waddell is my geoscience (geology, oceanography and environmental science) instructor and research project advisor who caused my entire proposed career path to pivot from biomedical engineering to environmental law. Because of her, my eyes opened to our natural world and, subsequently, the problems plaguing that world, causing me to want to inspire a positive change in our environment.