Pooja Verma
Fremont,CA
Summary
Dedicated and adaptable climate-tech student with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support environmental/engineering goals.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
FOUNDER, CEO
Eco Innovate
01.2024 - Current
- Established network of high schoolers to integrate STEM with environmental initiatives
- Implemented autonomous monitoring for birdboxes to enhance data collection and conservation efforts
- Population-Tracking Birdboxes initative, programming a Raspberry Pi/NOIR Camera to take photos of the inside of a birdbox and store them periodically
- Compiled over 150,000 visual data points from various sources.
- Secured over five figures in community support and donations for birdbox creation projects
- Reaching upwards of 37,000 community members and students -
- Taught over 60 instructional hours to over 100 students through self-made curricula
- 7+ partners with large environmental and educational nonprofits such as the California Bluebird Recovery Program, Tri-City Ecology, Local Ecology and Agriculture Fremont (LEAF), Math Science Nucleus
- 5+ Publications, including Washington Post, Mercury News, and Tri-City Voice
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
IHS Women in Satellite Engineering
04.2025 - Current
- Managed backend organization for first all-girls satellite engineering team, supporting 20+ members
- Coordinated engineering summer camp for 30+ middle school girls, fostering interest in STEM fields
- Presenter at International SmallSat Conference in Utah/Hawaii
- International Education Conference; ~5000+ Conference Attendees
- Authored monthly newsletter for 500+ subscribers, sharing updates and insights on engineering initiatives
STUDENT DATA ANALYSIS RESEARCHER
California Academy of Sciences/CSU Fullerton
06.2024 - Current
- Applied GEE, QGIS, MaxENT, R, and GBIF for species modeling in ecological research, contributing to data-driven insights in biodiversity.
- Collaborated with Dr. Anna Holmquist to develop predictive model integrating arthropod occurrence data and burn severity, enhancing understanding of ecological relationships.
- Analyzed data using statistical software to derive meaningful insights.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to design and implement experiments.
- Conducted extensive literature reviews to support ongoing research projects.
CO-FOUNDER
Brushstrokes for the Bay
04.2025 - Current
- Founded Eco Innovate Subsidiary, a coalition of youth environmental artists
- Designed and executed 8+ murals across venues including Oakland Chinatown, Youth Visioning Summit, Frontline Catalyst Summit, San Francisco Climate Week, and Fremont Earth Day, enhancing community engagement and environmental awareness
- Mobilized 40+ youth volunteers for impactful community projects, fostering leadership and collaboration among participants
- Established 3+ chapters in Fremont, Newark, and Palo Alto, expanding the coalition's reach and influence in promoting youth environmental artistry
- Generated 115,000+ social media impressions through targeted campaigns
- 8+ Murals Painted; 350+ sqft of blank walls
VOLUNTEER RESEARCHER
UC Berkeley Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
06.2024 - Current
- Executed molecular and computational biology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, agar electrophoresis, and Illumina sequencing to support research objectives.
- Conducted research on vertebrate species and their habitats.
- Analyzed ecological data to support ongoing research projects.
- Collaborated with staff to design and execute field studies.
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
Magnolia Stars Art
05.2024 - Current
- Generated $400+ in sales by featuring artwork at local markets.
- Developed and sold plant-based organic paint to promote sustainable art practices.
- Donated 10% of product proceeds to support environmental conservation organizations.
- Displayed artwork in over eight literary magazines and galleries.
- Produced various art forms including paintings, stickers, cards, and prints to celebrate nature's beauty.
STUDENT REP.
FUSD CLEEN
09.2022 - Current
- Served as primary liaison for climate policy change at Irvington High School, facilitating communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
- Collaborated with peers to develop programs promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.
- Collaborated with science teachers and environmental officials to integrate climate literacy into school curriculums.
- Represented student interests at meetings with school administration and staff.
- Communicated important updates and initiatives to the student body effectively.
PRESIDENT
IHS Girls in STEM Club
09.2023 - 01.2025
- Spearheaded initiatives to boost women's representation in STEM by managing leadership team of over 12 officers.
- Oversaw club activities for over 100 members, promoting active participation and interest in STEM fields.
- Facilitated networking events like ‘Dine with a Scientist’ to provide students with practical field experience.
- Organized biweekly meetings, including ‘Painting with Flowers’ and winter STEM series, to foster community engagement.
PRINCIPAL FLAUTIST
Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
09.2021 - Current
- Led flute section at over 30 performances and events.
- Performed as a chamber musician at more than 10 city events and galas.
- Coordinated administrative tasks for Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Summer Program in 2023 and 2024.
CO-PRESIDENT
IHS Resonance Club
09.2024 - Current
- Organized and performed in community service benefit concerts with school club, raising over $1000 each and showcasing 100+ performers
- Facilitated $1000 donation to Environmental Defense Fund at 2025 Res Fest
- Collaborated with club members to plan and execute community service events.
- Facilitated meetings to discuss club initiatives and gather member feedback.
- Managed budgets for events, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
Education
Bachelor's Degree -
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
Stanford, CA01-2030
High School -
IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
Fremont, CA01-2026
Conceptual Physics -
COMPTON COLLEGE
Compton, CA06-2025
Spanish 3 -
OHLONE COLLEGE
Fremont, CA06-2024
Intro to Philosophy -
FOOTHILL COLLEGE
Los Altos, CA06-2022
Skills
- Data analysis
- Strategic partnership development
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Technical writing
- Sustainable business practices
- Data visualization
- Creative problem solving
- Business growth strategy
- Project oversight
- Self-motivation and balanced work ethic
Awards
- Classical Music Winner, YoungArts, 01/2024, <10%
- 1st Place Winner, Charleston International Music Competition, 01/2025
- Carnegie Hall Solo Performance, American Protege International Competition, 01/2024
- 4-Time Winner, Bay Philharmonic Guild Young Recitalist Competition, 2022-2025
- Youth Nonprofit Feature, Washington Post, 01/2025
- Presenter, International Small Satellite Conference, Utah, 01/2025
- 2nd Place, Engineering, Embedded Systems, Alameda County Science & Engineering Fair, 01/2025
Personal Information
Title: Interdisciplinary Climate-Tech Engineer
Timeline
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
IHS Women in Satellite Engineering
04.2025 - Current
CO-FOUNDER
Brushstrokes for the Bay
04.2025 - Current
CO-PRESIDENT
IHS Resonance Club
09.2024 - Current
STUDENT DATA ANALYSIS RESEARCHER
California Academy of Sciences/CSU Fullerton
06.2024 - Current
VOLUNTEER RESEARCHER
UC Berkeley Museum of Vertebrate Zoology
06.2024 - Current
SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
Magnolia Stars Art
05.2024 - Current
FOUNDER, CEO
Eco Innovate
01.2024 - Current
PRESIDENT
IHS Girls in STEM Club
09.2023 - 01.2025
STUDENT REP.
FUSD CLEEN
09.2022 - Current
PRINCIPAL FLAUTIST
Bay Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
09.2021 - Current
Bachelor's Degree -
STANFORD UNIVERSITY
High School -
IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
Conceptual Physics -
COMPTON COLLEGE
Spanish 3 -
OHLONE COLLEGE
Intro to Philosophy -
FOOTHILL COLLEGE