Elizabeth Djajalie
Major: Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology
Elizabeth Djajalie is an incoming freshman at Harvard University, where she will continue to pursue her passion for life sciences and biotechnology. Scientific research played a transformative role in Elizabeth’s high school years, during which she studied everything from bioplastics to harmful algae to environmental DNA metabarcoding. Her most recent project with NOAA investigated using environmental DNA metabarcoding and qPCR to detect and quantify Pacific salmon, a keystone species vital to Alaska’s ecology, economy, and way of life. The project solidified her passion for life science and the biotechnologies that allow life to thrive. Alongside her research, Elizabeth has founded and led initiatives in STEM education by starting her city’s first high school math club, launching a podcast about women in STEM, and founding the Student Spokespersons Board for a statewide STEM nonprofit. Throughout her career, Elizabeth aims to make a lasting impact on society and ecosystems by developing and implementing emerging technologies rooted in an understanding of how life on earth functions. Outside of STEM, Elizabeth enjoys hiking, playing tennis, singing, and creating her next Spotify playlist.