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Q&A with

Q&A withMichaela Pfeifer

As founder and president of the Century High School Sierra Club in Rochester, MN, Michaela Pfeifer assisted in fulfilling the club’s mission of environmental protection and conservation by spearheading an initiative to replace incandescent lightbulbs with more energy efficient CFL lightbulbs in lower income households. Michaela is currently a student at Bethel University in St. Paul, where she is majoring in Biokinetics and Music.

1. Tell us about how you became interested in environmental protectionand conservation.

1. Tell us about how you became interested in environmental protectionand conservation.

My interest in the well-being of the environment evolved over time, and was triggered by my running cross country in my junior high years, and later through high school, continuing into college. I ran my best and felt most fulfilled when I ran in the open appreciating the exhilaration of breathing fresh clean air while running along pristine trails. I began noticing debris on the paths and in practicing for triathlons, I knew when I was in a dirty lake. These emotions, sensations, sights, sounds and scents brought me in synch with my surroundings. I realized how important it was that the air be crisp and clean, the ground unlittered, and the water clear and unpolluted. What I realized was thatwhile running cross country was an absolute passion for me, it was a passion that couldonly be sustained if the environment was sustained. This is a sentiment that has onlygrown stronger through the years.

2. If there were one thing you could predict about the future of science, what would it be?

2. If there were one thing you could predict about the future of science, what would it be?

We are gradually making adjustments to try and slow climate change, and my prediction for the future of science will be a healthy sustainable environment where all living things exist and flourish as they were meant to. I hope that my CFL lightbulb project played some small role in this, byreplacing incandescent lightbulbs with more energy efficient CFL lightbulbs, thusreducing energy consumption and carbon production with an outcome of lessair pollution.

3. If there were one thing you could have in the classroom that you don’t currently, what would it be? 

3. If there were one thing you could have in the classroom that you don’t currently, what would it be?

Recycle bins in the classrooms! Having recycle bins in smaller spaces will make students more aware of the process of recycling, and place this in the forefront of their minds as they grow older. It is in our formative years that good habits can be most easily established. 

4. Tell us about your favorite teacher, how have they supported or inspired you?

4. Tell us about your favorite teacher, how have they supported or inspired you?

I completed a high school mentorship my junior yearof high school under the direction of Dr. Prachi Singhof Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. My project focused onthe area of fat biology. I worked on substances like leptinand adioponectin that are produced by fat cells, and learned techniques in cell culture and Western blot analysis.This past summer I received an UndergraduateFellowship Award from the AmericanPhysiological Society and mentored again withDr. Prachi Singh, studying anti-diabetes drugsand the expression of caveolin I hope to havethe opportunity to present my summertesearch study at the Experimental Biologymeeting in San Diego next year. I see Dr. Singhas a role model and mentor and appreciate hertaking the time to introduce me so early inhigh school to the scientific process. She is arigorous, precise, and deliberate scientist whohas achieved much in her early career and hasbeen a great inspiration to me.

5. How has NSHSS played a role in your academic career?

5. How has NSHSS played a role in your academic career?

I received the Earth Day Award for my environmental CFL lightbulb project.  This recognition helped deepen my passion to pursue further my education in the sciences, and has inspired me to continue to find novel ways in which I and others can help support a healthier planet.

6. What is your fondest memory related to your advocacy, thus far?

6. What is your fondest memory related to your advocacy, thus far?

While I am pleased that my project helped to reduce energy consumption/production, very memorable for me was at the same time helping the economically challenged families by replacing incandescent lightbulbs in their home with the CFL lightbulbs, lowering their electric costs and at the same time helping to keep our planet healthy. If I can add a second item, it would be that the Century High School Sierra Club, which I started several years ago, continues to survive and thrive.

7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

7. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I would like to say I will have a degree in science with a major in Biokinetics, while I continue acquiring training and understanding in hypothesis-driven biological research. And oh yes, still running!

8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In 10 years I would like to say I will have a degree in science with a major in Biokinetics, while I continue acquiring training and understanding in hypothesis-driven biological research. And oh yes, still running!

9. What do you hope for this year’s incoming freshman class?

9. What do you hope for this year’s incoming freshman class?

I want them to come in with excitement and enthusiasm, and get involved. Participation in the school’s clubs and group activities are a wonderful way to settle in and make great friends. I hope they set high goals for themselves, challenge themselves academically, put in the time to study, and adopt a healthy and balanced routine of exercise, sleep, study and play.

10. Outside of your environmental advocacy involvement, what has been your favorite / most enjoyable aspect of high school?

10. Outside of your environmental advocacy involvement, what has been your favorite / most enjoyable aspect of high school?

Easily the varsity cross country and track team and my participation in music and performance in pop performing groups, a cappella, and classical voice competition. I also started the Sierra Club in my high school, which was also an exciting, instructive and rewarding experience.

11. What do you do to stay organized / focused?

11. What do you do to stay organized / focused?

Taking in the fresh air outdoors while running the trails and feeling the wind in my face clears my head, helps me think, and makes me grateful for the rest of my day.

12. How do you relax? What’s your favorite hobby?

12. How do you relax? What’s your favorite hobby?

I’m also majoring in music and to relax, as a soprano, I enjoy singing, performing and playing piano. These help me release any built-up anxiety/tension.  International travel is my favorite leisure time activity.

13. Do you have a motto? If so, what is it?

13. Do you have a motto? If so, what is it?

“To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift.”

– Steve Prefontaine