Mariah Drexler

Academic Interests

Natural Sciences

Fun Fact

I have played the violin for 11 years!

What excites me most about STEM is its potential for creativity. There is a pressure in science and math to find the "right way" to do something, but I prefer to think of these studies as an opportunity to explore new perspectives and apply our knowledge to solve real problems. This idea has been my foundation and my motivation for pursuing STEM ever since I was young. What I enjoy most about science, though, is learning why and how the world works, which is why I am especially fascinated by the natural sciences including astronomy, chemistry, physics, and biology. From teaching myself how to code during COVID lockdown to forming a student-run organization to teach younger girls about astronomy, I have both loved learning and teaching STEM throughout my academic career. Alongside STEM, I also value the humanities, particularly through writing – whether poetry, non-fiction articles, or creative essays – and reading.

Outside of school, I also care deeply for social activism and justice. I was heavily involved with a student-run nonprofit organization called Teach Against Trafficking, where I educated my community on the issue of human trafficking in central Pennsylvania. I also interned with the League of Women voters to help encourage my peers to vote, and I am currently involved with the Duke Jewish Solidarity Movement and Jewish Voice for Peace. 

At Duke, I am active in multiple clubs from Duke Aero and the Stargazing Devils to serving as the Students Events Management Officer for Duke Remote Area Medical, and writing as a News Journalist for the Chronicle primarily in the Science and Health section.

My long term goal is to pursue a career that allows me to do research for social good. I want to deepen and explore my passions at Duke while making a positive impact in the lives of others.

What do you like about being a SPIRE Fellow?

Science and kindness are two things that are not often associated, but I see them as deeply connected. I believe knowledge is most meaningful when it is used to uplift others, which is a core value of SPIRE's community. To me, being a SPIRE fellow means embodying these values and forming a community built on support rather than competition. As a Fellow, I am not only excited to grow in my academic and professional journey but also create and be a part of an environment where I can feel encouraged to explore, take risks, and thrive through empathy and diverse perspectives.