Hello, everyone, I am David Rodriquez. My major is Biology! I chose this major because of my deep fascination with science and its many diverse fields. In 8th grade, I realized that my passion for science surpassed that of many around me, and this drive has carried me through high school and into college. I selected STCC for its exceptional professors and strong programs designed to help me succeed in earning my advanced degree in Biology. My ultimate goal is to transfer to a university like UMASS Amherst to continue advancing my education in Pathology. Currently I’m working in the automotive industry, selling car parts and working on vehicles while continuing my studies.
As I reflect on the Sustainathon event, I’m reminded that Earth is our only home, we must take care of it, and it will take care of us. This vibrant Earth Day celebration brought our community together in a fun, science fair-like setting that was filled with passion and purpose. The STCC Gym was beautifully transformed, not just with rows of booths draped in cheerful yellow fabric for the 32 presentations on environmental conservation, but also with large floral displays, huge bunches of Earth-themed balloons, twinkling lights, and creative decorations that brought the space to life.
What truly surprised and inspired me was the presence of numerous professors from UMASS and STCC, along with representatives from state and federal agencies, all eager to share their knowledge through interactive models, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. They taught us about our current environmental challenges, innovative solutions, and shared uplifting stories of individuals and communities creating meaningful change. Sustainathon wasn’t just an event, it was a spark. A movement of hope, learning, and collective action for a greener, more sustainable future.
Attending this convention was truly a wonderful experience, it emphasized just how important it is to explore and share groundbreaking ideas that could help heal or even save our planet. I had a unique perspective on the event because I was honored with an award for my research poster on photosynthetic algae, specifically, how they can act as carbon sinks and serve as a renewable energy source. Photosynthetic algae play a vital role in sustainability by capturing carbon dioxide through natural sequestration processes while also serving as a promising renewable energy source for a greener future.
Honestly, winning wasn’t even on my mind. I came to learn, to connect, and to be inspired by the incredible work people had traveled far and wide to present, including a presenter all the way from India! Sitting in the audience, surrounded by brilliant minds, hearing my name called by our college President Cook was the last thing I expected. It was a moment I’ll never forget. The last few years have been incredibly hard since losing my dear mother, but it fueled a deeper drive in me to push forward to succeed. Receiving the Champion of Change award was more than recognition, it was a symbol of my perseverance.
One of my favorite displays was from the US National Guard, who showcased drones and robotics and demonstrated how AI will shape the future of environmental conservation by enabling smarter monitoring of ecosystems, detecting environmental threats in real time, and assisting in rapid-response efforts during natural disasters. It was inspiring to see how technology and nature can work hand in hand to create innovative solutions for protecting the Earth. Scientist Dr. Balu from India presented groundbreaking work on sustainable cotton, showcasing how advanced CRISPR technologies (that I also learnt in my Biology lab) are used to develop high-yield cotton varieties that are resilient to pests, diseases, and climate stress, ultimately supporting global sustainability and rural livelihoods. Other notable ideas I learned were that sustainability is a mindset, and that humanity must work together to protect our planet. One message that truly resonated with me was that meaningful change begins with individual action, no matter how small. I thank STCC, my classmates and my professor Reena Randhir for organizing this educational and inspiring event.
