California Institute of Technology

Research and STEM Activities 
Participated in NASA High School Aerospace Scholars, a yearlong online course focusing on the science/technology/engineering/math behind space exploration followed by a weeklong summer camp to research, design, and present ideas for future missions to Moon and Mars...Helped lead a research group that examined techniques for autonomous excavation, construction, and manufacturing using sustainable resources already on the Moon...Participated in ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program, designed to introduce high school students to possible careers in architecture, construction, engineering, or related fields...Worked with a team to develop and present a hypothetical redesign of a neglected, riverfront building in downtown Austin, Texas...Worked with a second team to design a single family home using shipping containers.

Prior to Caltech 
Varsity soccer captain...Three-time Academic All-District...Raptor of the Year...All-District Honorable Mention...Qualified for district playoffs in inaugural year of school soccer program...National Merit Commended Scholar...National Hispanic Recognition Program...National Honor Society...Two-time National French Contest Silver Medalist...National French Contest Honorable Mention...AP Scholar With Distinction.

Personal 
Born in St. Paul, Minn....Daughter of Megan Riley and Omar Syed...Has one younger brother, Gabriel...Nationally competitive Irish dancer for 11 years.