Aya Aryan

Student

Aya Aryan is a dedicated student at Barnard College of Columbia University, majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Italian. Her passion for ecology drives her academic interests, and she has devoted much of her time researching environmental conservation. Aya has gained invaluable research experience at several well-regarded institutions, including UC Irvine, Concordia University, and Columbia University. Her focus has primarily been on arthropod ecology and the preservation of natural ecosystems. Aya has also been actively volunteering for causes such as childhood cancer research and supporting victims of domestic violence. After completing her undergraduate studies in 2025, she plans to pursue a PhD in Ecology to continue her academic and research endeavors.

Born in San Diego, California, and raised in Fresno, Aya’s passion for science and the environment developed early. Throughout high school, she excelled academically, earning a spot on the Principal’s Honor Roll and finishing in the top 5% of her class, graduating with an impressive 4.6 GPA. In 2021, she began her studies at Barnard College, where she has maintained a 3.7 GPA and regularly appeared on the Dean’s List. Aya’s academic journey has also included opportunities for international exposure, such as studying abroad in Perugia, Italy, in 2022. There, she strengthened her knowledge of the Italian language and culture. In 2023, Aya further broadened her academic experience by spending time in Bermuda, where she participated in an intensive marine ecology program, gaining a deeper understanding of environmental science from an aquatic perspective.

Aya’s strong academic foundation quickly translated into meaningful research experiences. During the summer of 2023, she worked as a Research Assistant at Concordia University in Irvine, California, where she contributed to a project studying arthropods in native California shrubbery. Her responsibilities included identifying species, measuring their size, and recording data to support future publications. Aya continued her research in 2024 and 2025 at UC Irvine, where she studied the effects of arthropod populations on bird foraging behavior in California sage scrub. This research is part of a broader study exploring the link between biodiversity and ecological systems. Aya’s work is expected to be published, adding to the body of knowledge on environmental conservation. In addition to her research efforts, Aya interned at the Laguna Ocean Foundation in Laguna Beach, California, in 2022. During her internship, she contributed to studies examining the impact of human activity on intertidal biodiversity in protected habitats, assisting in monitoring water quality and shorebird diversity.

In addition to her research and academic pursuits, Aya has gained practical experience in retail and customer service. From October 2023 to April 2024, she worked as a Sales Associate at Madewell in New York City, where she developed her customer service skills and learned about the day-to-day operations of a retail business. Aya also worked at Thalia Surf Shop in Laguna Beach, California, during the summers of 2022, 2023, and 2024. At Thalia Surf Shop, she assisted customers, managed surf rental equipment, and helped with product sales, further strengthening her communication and organizational skills.

Aya’s commitment to community service has been a consistent part of her life. From 2017 to 2021, she served as a camp counselor for the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust, where she taught children about the importance of conservation and environmental protection. She has also volunteered with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, raising funds for childhood cancer research, and worked with the Marjaree Mason Center to support victims of domestic violence. Aya has also volunteered with the St. Francis Homeless Project, where she helped raise funds for women recovering from substance abuse. In 2019, she participated in the River Way Ranch Camp, teaching children about science and the environment while engaging them in outdoor activities.

In addition to her academic and community service activities, Aya has pursued several athletic interests. She has been a Columbia University Equestrian Team member since her first year, competing in regional and Ivy League competitions within the IHSA (Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association). Aya is also passionate about winter sports and outdoor safety. Between 2018 and 2022, she worked as a ski patroller at China Peak Mountain Resort, where she received training in Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC). Aya became certified in Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR, and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), gaining crucial skills for responding to emergencies in outdoor settings. In 2021 and 2022, she served as an instructor for the National Ski Patrol’s OEC program, teaching others how to handle emergencies in outdoor environments.

Aya Aryan’s academic accomplishments, research contributions, and community involvement reflect her deep commitment to positively impacting the world. Through her studies and work, she has shown a strong dedication to environmental science and the protection of natural ecosystems. Aya plans to continue her studies by pursuing a PhD in Ecology after graduating in 2025. She aspires to continue her research in environmental conservation and biodiversity. Aya’s perseverance, passion, and commitment to her academic and extracurricular activities position her to make a lasting contribution to ecology and environmental science.
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To learn more about Aya Aryan, click the links below:

https://columbiaequestrian.weebly.com/board-members.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XnEPHaUI1Q

https://www.facebook.com/kindlewoodstables/videos/aya-aryan-and-q-reserve-champion/263658442130900