Jennifer Wong-Ala
Graduate student at Oregon State University in the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
Waimanalo, O‘ahu
Field of study/specialty
Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry
What inspired you to pursue STEM?
I have always enjoyed science. I have always liked school, and when I went to college, I wanted to go into medical school. My path deviated to geoscience when I went to college and was exposed to other careers in STEM. After working with the KCC summer bridge program, and having a good community of mentors, I decided to pursue Global Environmental Science.
What is something you wish you knew when starting out in this field/ advice you would give NHPI students interested in pursuing this type of career?
I did not realize how much I would have to adjust in different atmospheres. Finding community and people you can trust is important.
Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry
What inspired you to pursue STEM?
I have always enjoyed science. I have always liked school, and when I went to college, I wanted to go into medical school. My path deviated to geoscience when I went to college and was exposed to other careers in STEM. After working with the KCC summer bridge program, and having a good community of mentors, I decided to pursue Global Environmental Science.
What is something you wish you knew when starting out in this field/ advice you would give NHPI students interested in pursuing this type of career?
I did not realize how much I would have to adjust in different atmospheres. Finding community and people you can trust is important.