Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Joyce Nadler

East Brunswick,NJ

Summary

Dedicated student leader and researcher focused on school sustainability, scientific inquiry, and creative communication. Led a 45-member environmental club that diverted 1,500+ pounds of cafeteria food waste through a composting program, which earned state recognition and secured $2,500 in grant funding. Co-developed a district-wide composting proposal with educators and presented to school stakeholders. Conducted C. elegans gene regulation research and produced visual content for conservation and children’s education projects

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

Club President

SAVE (Students Against Violating the Environment)
09.2024 - Current
  • Led a 45-member student club, organizing major events like the biannual “Gift & Thrift,” which redistributed 300+ clothing items to families in need and secured over $6,500 in grants to fund sustainability programs.
  • Spearheaded a school-wide composting initiative diverting 1,500+ pounds of cafeteria food scraps into nutrient-rich soil, collaborating with administrators to replace single-use plastics with biodegradable alternatives, significantly reducing waste.
  • Partnered with three elementary educators to co-develop a district-wide composting grant proposal currently pending approval from the East Brunswick Education Foundation; presented program impact and progress to school and community stakeholders.
  • Acted as student representative on mayor-appointed environmental committees, fostering partnerships and coordinating interdisciplinary teams to implement waste reduction and sustainability projects across the district.

Founder, CEO

Harvest Hope Network
05.2024 - Current
  • Founded and led The Harvest Hope Network, rescuing and distributing over 500 pounds of food through partnerships with four local organizations to combat food waste and insecurity.
  • Coordinated weekly vegetable donations from local gardeners to support the Aldersgate Community Outreach Center Food Bank, helping 100–120 local families per week.
  • Led gardeners in constructing and cultivating produce from a dedicated 10x20 plot to facilitate additional donations and increase community food support.
  • Engaged a network of approximately 160 gardeners at the East Brunswick Community Garden to encourage regular produce donations, fostering community involvement in food waste reduction and supporting local food security.

Research Intern

Rutgers Environmental and Biological Sciences
07.2023 - Current
  • Participated in a multi-year internship at Rutgers University studying genetics using the model organism C. elegans (a type of microscopic worm).
  • Helped identify rare gene mutations by reviewing results from over 2,000 lab trials, contributing findings that shaped the lab’s ongoing research direction.
  • Used CRISPR (a gene editing tool) to study how certain genes are turned off or on, and tracked changes using tools like gel electrophoresis and temperature testing.
  • Investigated how specific parts of a protein called HRDE-1 impact gene expression, using live imaging and DNA sequencing to analyze results.
  • Wrote a 20-page research report and presented weekly at lab meetings to share progress and answer questions.

Graphic Design Director

Fledglink (International Birdwatching Nonprofit)
05.2023 - Current
  • Oversaw and directed a team of 6 artists to create editorial illustrations for a birdwatching and conservation blog
  • Currently illustrating and writing a 16-page children's book targeted for publication in August 2025

Education

High School Diploma -

East Brunswick High School
East Brunswick, NJ
06-2026

Skills

  • Project Management
  • Scientific Research & Data Analysis
  • Community Outreach
  • Environmental Education
  • Grant Writing & Fundraising
  • Team Leadership
  • Visual Storytelling

Accomplishments

02/2024: Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards, Drawing & Illustration – Gold Key

  • Received two Gold Keys (highest regional honor) for mixed-media paintings “Mind Palace” and “The Melting Pot”
  • Awarded to the top 5% of 260,000 national entries

05/2022: Congressional Arts Competition – Second Place

  • Recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives in a prestigious national art contest
  • Artwork displayed in the New Jersey Congressional Hall

05/2019: US Finalist, Toyota Dream Car Competition

  • Selected from over 17,000 US entries for an innovative, sustainability-focused design
  • Demonstrated creativity and commitment to environmental solutions

06/2025: NJ Student Climate Challenge – 1st Place Winner

  • Led SAVE (Students Against Violating the Environment) as President to 1st place statewide
  • Secured $2,500 in grant funding to establish composting systems in two elementary schools
  • Coordinated project planning and collaborated with school administrators on sustainable waste reduction practices

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
German
Limited Working

Timeline

Club President

SAVE (Students Against Violating the Environment)
09.2024 - Current

Founder, CEO

Harvest Hope Network
05.2024 - Current

Research Intern

Rutgers Environmental and Biological Sciences
07.2023 - Current

Graphic Design Director

Fledglink (International Birdwatching Nonprofit)
05.2023 - Current

High School Diploma -

East Brunswick High School