Hello! My name is Natalia Dickerson and I am currently a Junior working towards a degree in Environmental Science jointly through the College of Arts and Sciences and the O'Neil School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Upon graduation, I wish to pursue a PhD. I am currently an Indiana LSAMP scholar working in a cognitive development lab, analyzing how visual experiences of infants in different cultures impact or cause variances in cognitive processes. This work has introduced me to lab techniques, hypothesis construction, data collection, basic coding and more.Along with my studies, I am a part of the Cox scholars program, a selective program where I develop applicable communication, strategic planning, and collaboration skills. Through scholar training and my job at Fairview Elementary as a teaching assistant, I am constantly given the opportunity to learn and grow. During the 2022-2023 school year and continuing into the 2023-2024 year, I served as the Wellness Chair on the Black Student Union Executive Board. In this leadership position, I enhance the quality of life for underrepresented students on campus in the areas of mental, emotional, physical, and environmental health through planning campus events and crafting social media post. In addition, I build problem solving skills with my work on the Mental Health Advisory Council.I plan to utilize what I have learned and what I will continue to learn throughout the remainder of time at Indiana University to build my ideal future. My main career goal is to tackle the climate and waste crises head on, in hopes of a better future for all.