Hello! I’m Emilia Sloan, a high school senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and an aspiring physicist focused on planetary and environmental sciences. My work involves atmospheric and planetary science research using Python-based data analysis, alongside STEM outreach.
Education
Education
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST)
In Progress (2025 - 2026): Electrodynamics and Quantum Mechanics, Linear Algebra (Dual Enrollment)
Planned (2026): AP English Literature, AP English Language, AP French, AP U.S. Government
Awards & Honors
National Merit Scholarship Program — Semifinalist & Finalist Candidate (Sep 2025)
AP Scholar with Distinction (Jul 2025)
IAAC — Silver Honour, Final Round (2024 & 2025)
Research
I work on planetary atmospheres and astronomy projects, using Python for data analysis, visualization, and interpretation, and sharing results through posters, abstracts, and talks.
Climate dynamics in urban and regional environments
Seismology and tectonic modeling
Scientific communication and STEM outreach
Research
The Venusian Atmosphere
Jun 2022 – Present | Planetary Sciences and Atmospheres Research Intern
Conducted graduate-level research alongside PhD candidates in the George Mason University Department of Physics and Astronomy, developing Python-based data analyses and discussing results in weekly research meetings. Presented three posters and published three abstracts, and am preparing a first-author manuscript on the Venusian atmosphere for submission.
PythonPlanetary AtmospheresData AnalysisVenus
Poster and abstract presented at the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program 2025 Symposium.
Cassiopeia A — University of Arizona Advanced Teen Astronomy Camp
Jun 2024 – Present | Research Collaborator
Analyzed radio telescope data of the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant to search for molecular signatures; led a focused literature review; mentored a partner in chemistry fundamentals and introductory Python; and contributed to the development of a telescope observing proposal.
My peer and I presented this work at the end of the University of Arizona Advanced Teen Astronomy Camp.
Since not all results are published, parts of the presentation have been redacted.
Group discussion during the University of Arizona Advanced Teen Astronomy Camp.
AI & the Environment — Public Talk
Mar 2025 | Student Climate Action Conference, Fredericksburg, VA
Delivered an accessible talk on the environmental impacts of AI computing, using visual explanations to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience. Invited, with team members, to brief the Fredericksburg Town Council.
Science CommunicationPublic Engagement
Overview and visual explanations of electronic waste, energy, land and water use, and the environmental tradeoffs and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). I created slides 13–19 and contributed to editing and brainstorming across the full presentation. Feel free to contact me for the full presentation script.
Urban Heat Island Effects in New York City and Los Angeles
May 2025 | Independent Research Statistics II Project
Investigated urban heat island intensity using observational land surface temperature data, analyzing spatial and temporal patterns and interpreting unexpected results in the context of regional environmental characteristics. Resulted in a written research paper.
Completed paper comparing land surface temperature with distance from the urban center in Los Angeles and New York City as an initial characterization of the urban heat island effect in both regions.
National Air and Space Museum Educator (Federal Employee)
Explainers Program, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum - Washington, DC
Dec 2024 - Present
Engage with 100+ daily visitors, teaching space and aviation concepts to audiences of all ages. Train new staff in exhibit operations, safety, and engagement techniques, and develop hands-on demonstrations that teach physics, astronomy, and aviation for general audiences.
A digital demonstration on exoplanet detection I created to teach similar topics to a demonstration I enjoy at the Air and Space Museum.
Tutored middle- and high-school students in calculus, algebra, and physics; supported AP-style free-response problem solving; and developed individualized study plans, adapting explanations to varied skill levels.
Tutor (Certified in Seven Subjects)
Schoolhouse.world (Remote)
Feb 2025 – Present
Earned certifications in seven subjects; designed personalized SAT and AP Statistics curricula; facilitated eight SAT Bootcamp sessions; and provided one-on-one tutoring with an emphasis on conceptual reasoning and a supportive learning environment.
Schoolhouse.world portfolio describing certifications, tutoring experience, and learner feedback.
Designed age-appropriate event tests; managed logistics and scoring for multiple teams per event, encouraging collaboration and creativity; and organized, tested, and evaluated engineering build challenges to ensure clear rules, fair competition, and an engaging experience.
Extracurriculars & Leadership
Club Leader and Lecturer
TJHSST Astronomy Competition Team (Physics and Astronomy Club)
Aug 2023 – Jun 2025
Led weekly lectures and problem sets for 20+ peers with varied physics backgrounds, preparing students for the U.S.A Astronomy Olympiad and International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition. Designed curriculum and independently created backup lectures to ensure continuity, organized the team’s first external guest speaker, and improved problem-solving speed and accuracy through targeted drills.
Team Member (2024 Chesapeake Bay Bowl Winner)
TJHSST Ocean Bowl Club and Team
Aug 2023 – Present
Taught teammates physical oceanography concepts, including circulation, forces, and wave dynamics; led timed short-answer team collaboration by coordinating task division under pressure to improve response speed and accuracy.
A link to a news article describing the 2024 Cheseapeake Bay Bowl win.
Authored the school’s sustainability mission statement; organized fundraisers, campus clean-ups, and plantings; and repaired a hydroponic system while implementing long-term garden maintenance routines. Contributed to the school earning EcoSchools Green Flag certification for measurable improvements in campus sustainability.
Contact
For research, collaborations, or outreach, feel free to reach out.
