Jessalin Nguyen: A Rising Leader in Environmental Science and Policy
In today’s world, the challenges of climate change, environmental justice, and sustainable development demand young leaders who not only excel in academics but also dedicate themselves to impactful, real-world work. One such figure is Jessalin Nguyen, a student at the University of Chicago, whose passion for environmental science, policy reform, and French cultural studies has made her an emerging voice in global discussions around climate equity. With a balance of scientific research, policy engagement, and international experience, she stands as an example of how interdisciplinary knowledge can drive innovative solutions.
This article explores her academic journey, professional experiences, leadership roles, and contributions to environmental advocacy.
Academic Journey
Pursuing Environmental Science
At the University of Chicago, Jessalin Nguyen is completing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a minor in French and Francophone Studies. Her academic work reflects a balance of rigorous scientific training and a deep appreciation for the humanities. Through her coursework, she has studied the impact of environmental systems, climate dynamics, and sustainability, while also broadening her cultural perspective through French literature and history.
Immersive International Study
Her commitment to international education is evident through multiple study-abroad experiences. At the University of Chicago Center in Paris, she studied French culture and history, taking courses on topics such as Versailles, power, and art in French society. During her quarter abroad, she also enrolled in “Civilizations: Colonizations,” a course that expanded her understanding of colonial histories and their global impacts. This immersion strengthened her French language proficiency and enhanced her cross-cultural communication skills, preparing her to address environmental issues on a global stage.
Research at Marine Biological Laboratory
In 2023, she attended the Semester in Environmental Science (SES) program at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. There, she examined complex terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, working with nutrient cycles, seagrass modeling, and ecosystem scaling. Her capstone project focused on temperature effects on the Sargassum filipendula species under the mentorship of Director Mirta Teichberg. This intensive research experience honed her technical skills and scientific curiosity.
Professional Experiences
Research at the Harris School of Public Policy
Currently serving as a Quad Undergraduate Research Scholar at the Harris School of Public Policy, Jessalin Nguyen is engaged in data-driven environmental policy work. Her project involves enlarging databases on animal agriculture and exploring links between slaughterhouse and farm runoff and water pollution. By using tools like R, data wrangling, and literature research, she is creating resources that may inform future policy reform. This role demonstrates her ability to combine scientific expertise with policy applications.
Laboratory Research
In addition to policy-related research, she worked with Steve Pruett-Jones’ Lab at UChicago, where she conducted PCR analysis on Australian fairywren DNA. This role emphasized her technical proficiency in molecular biology, including pipetting, rehydrating samples, and determining male lineages in bird populations. The combination of field and lab work highlights her versatility as both a scientist and researcher.
Nonprofit and Advocacy Work
In 2022, she joined the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition in Houston as a Membership Engagement Intern. She coordinated community listening sessions, legislative events, and a large-scale Community Climate Summit that brought together 240 Houstonians and policymakers. She also organized sponsorships, catering, and event logistics, displaying strong project management skills.
Later, as a Summer Intern at mWater, she gained additional exposure to data-driven solutions for water access, complementing her nonprofit advocacy with technical and analytical approaches.
Leadership Roles and Campus Engagement
Student Organizations
At the University of Chicago, Jessalin Nguyen has played leadership roles across various organizations. She is the Co-President of Allied Scholars for Animal Protection (ASAP), where she advocates for animal welfare and sustainable practices. She also serves as the Cultural Director of the French Club, bridging her love for French culture with her academic focus.
Her involvement doesn’t stop there—she is a member of Tap That! (a student dance group) and Make Chicago Smile (a service initiative). Previously, she contributed to the campus literary magazine Sliced Bread as Head of Publicity and volunteered as a piano teacher with the South Side Free Music Program. These activities highlight her commitment to building community through art, service, and advocacy.
Honors and Awards
Her academic and extracurricular excellence have been recognized with multiple honors. She is a Gold Medal recipient in Piano Music Theory from the Texas Music Teachers Association, a Scholastic Gold Key Award winner for creative writing, and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction by the College Board. Additionally, she was a semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, a testament to her academic rigor and leadership potential.
Skills and Expertise
Research and Scientific Methods
Through her experiences, Jessalin Nguyen has developed skills in environmental modeling, laboratory experimentation, and database management. Her technical expertise includes polymerase chain reaction (PCR), ecological modeling, and data wrangling. These competencies equip her to handle both field-based and computational challenges in environmental science.
Policy and Communication
Her work at the Harris School of Public Policy demonstrates her ability to translate data into meaningful insights for policy reform. She is skilled in literature research, database cleaning, and critical reading—tools essential for shaping effective environmental policies.
Languages and Cultural Knowledge
As a student of French and Francophone Studies, she possesses intermediate proficiency in French and a strong understanding of cultural dynamics. Her study abroad experiences reinforce her ability to engage in international collaboration and interdisciplinary learning.
Vision and Passion
Addressing Climate Change Through Equity
What sets Jessalin Nguyen apart is her commitment to equity in addressing climate change. She consistently emphasizes how environmental challenges disproportionately impact marginalized communities. By blending her scientific expertise with policy engagement and cross-cultural knowledge, she seeks to find practical solutions that are inclusive and sustainable.
Future Pathways
Looking ahead, her experiences in research, policy, and community engagement position her to make meaningful contributions in environmental science and policy reform. Whether through graduate studies, international collaboration, or nonprofit leadership, Jessalin Nguyen is poised to continue bridging the gap between scientific research and societal impact.
Conclusion
The story of Jessalin Nguyen illustrates the power of interdisciplinary education and hands-on experience in shaping future leaders. With a foundation in environmental science, enriched by international study, research, and community engagement, she is not only preparing for a career but also shaping conversations on climate equity. Her journey demonstrates how passion, persistence, and purpose can converge to create real-world impact.
As the world faces increasingly urgent environmental crises, figures like Jessalin Nguyen provide hope for solutions rooted in science, empathy, and justice. Her academic achievements, professional experiences, and leadership roles make her a rising changemaker who is already influencing how communities and policymakers think about sustainability and equity.
