Aya Aryan

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Aya Aryan

Aya Aryan is a dedicated student at Barnard College of Columbia University, pursuing a major in Environmental Science with a minor in Italian. Her academic interests are fueled by a deep passion for ecology and a commitment to preserving the environment. Aya has gained valuable research experience at prestigious institutions such as UC Irvine, Concordia University, and Columbia University, where her focus has been on arthropod ecology and environmental conservation. Along with her studies, she has been actively involved in volunteer efforts, including childhood cancer research and supporting victims of domestic violence. After graduating in 2025, Aya plans to pursue a PhD in Ecology to continue her work in environmental research.

Aya was born in San Diego, California, and later moved to Fresno, where she attended Clovis North High School. From a young age, she developed a strong interest in the environment, which guided her academic path. She excelled in her studies, earning a spot on the Principal's Honor Roll and ranking in the top 5% of her class with a 4.6 GPA. Aya continued her education at Barnard College in 2021, maintaining a 3.7 GPA and regularly earning a spot on the Dean’s List. Her academic experience has also included studying abroad in Perugia, Italy, in 2022, where she immersed herself in the language and culture. In 2023, Aya participated in a marine ecology program in Bermuda, further expanding her knowledge of environmental science from an aquatic perspective.

Aya’s interest in ecology quickly translated into hands-on research opportunities. In 2023, she worked as a Research Assistant at Concordia University in Irvine, California, studying arthropods in California shrubbery. She was responsible for identifying species, measuring their characteristics, and collecting data to support future research publications. Aya expanded her research in 2024 and 2025 at UC Irvine, focusing on how arthropod populations impact bird foraging behavior in California sage scrub. This work is part of a larger study investigating the relationship between biodiversity and ecological systems, and Aya’s contributions are expected to be published in scientific journals. Additionally, in 2022, Aya interned at the Laguna Ocean Foundation in Laguna Beach, California, where she studied the effects of human activity on intertidal biodiversity in protected coastal habitats.

In addition to her academic and research pursuits, Aya has gained practical experience in retail and customer service. From October 2023 to April 2024, she worked as a Sales Associate at Madewell in New York City, refining her customer service skills and gaining experience in in-store operations. Aya also worked at Thalia Surf Shop in Laguna Beach, California, during the summers of 2022, 2023, and 2024. At Thalia Surf Shop, she assisted customers, managed surf rentals, and helped with product sales, which allowed her to develop her organizational and communication skills.

Aya has always been committed to giving back to her community. From 2017 to 2021, she worked as a camp counselor for the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, where she taught children about environmental conservation. She has also volunteered with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, raising funds for childhood cancer research, and worked with the Marjaree Mason Center to support victims of domestic violence. Aya’s community service extended to the St. Francis Homeless Project, where she helped raise funds for women recovering from substance abuse. In 2019, Aya volunteered with the River Way Ranch Camp, teaching children about science and the environment while engaging them in outdoor activities.

Outside of her academic and volunteer commitments, Aya has pursued various athletic interests. She has been a Columbia University Equestrian Team member since her first year, competing in regional and Ivy League competitions within the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association). Aya is also passionate about winter sports and outdoor safety. Between 2018 and 2022, she worked as a ski patroller at China Peak Mountain Resort, where she became certified in Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC), Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR, and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS). Aya also served as an instructor for the National Ski Patrol’s OEC program in 2021 and 2022, teaching others how to handle outdoor emergencies.

Aya Aryan’s academic, research, and volunteer efforts reflect her deep dedication to positively impacting the world. Her commitment to environmental science, focus on biodiversity and conservation, and passion for community service demonstrate her desire to protect and preserve the natural world. After graduating from Barnard College, she plans to pursue a PhD in Ecology, continuing her research and environmental conservation work. Aya’s drive to succeed, her academic achievements, and her unwavering commitment to the environment and her community position her as a future leader in ecology.

Portfolio Website: http://ayaaryanny.com

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