Amari, who is majoring in Earth and Planetary Sciences with a minor in Geospatial Science, has demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience throughout her college journey. As a first-generation college student, she has benefited from her involvement in the Kessler Scholars Program, which has provided her with academic, personal, and professional support. This program has also empowered her to mentor other students navigating their own educational paths. Outside of her academic pursuits, Amari enjoys reading, skating, and exploring the outdoors, activities that provide a well-rounded balance to her intense study schedule.

At WashU, Amari's enthusiasm for advancing technology and broadening our understanding of the universe is evident in her research under the mentorship of Jeffrey Catalano, a professor of Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences and a fellow in the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences. Catalano, who nominated Amari for the Baines Family Planetary Science Scholarship, recognizes her contributions to his laboratory and her potential as an emerging scientist.

“Amari has demonstrated an impressive ability to learn the fundamental science underlying multiple projects despite not yet having taken the relevant courses,” said Catalano. “Her independence and confidence at an early career stage are exceptional. Her contributions to the laboratory are significant and she truly excels in experimental planetary science.”

Amari has been involved in several research projects under Catalano's guidance. One project investigates the impact of alcohols on the formation of carbonate minerals in the oceans of icy worlds, addressing important questions about subsurface ocean composition and carbon cycling. Another project focuses on synthesizing serpentine minerals with various iron contents, which is vital for understanding abiotic hydrogen generation and planetary habitability. Her ability to manage and excel in these complex, and multiple, research projects underscores her competence and independence.

Reflecting on her achievements and the support she has received, Amari said, "I’m grateful for the opportunity to be included in the WashU Named Scholars Program and honored to be matched with the Baines Family Planetary Science Scholarship. I really appreciate all the EEPS instructors and advisors who’ve (somehow!) crammed my brain with knowledge and curiosity, launching a lifelong love of planetary science and geology. This scholarship makes it possible for me to keep encouraging that passion, and I’m excited to fully engage with the experiences the program provides."

Amari's dedication was further exemplified in Professor Emeritus Brad Jolliff’s course, “Minerals, Rocks, Resources, and the Environment.” Despite suffering serious injuries from a biking accident, Amari continued to attend classes and labs, catching up on missed work, and showing renewed enthusiasm by the semester's end. Jolliff praised her perseverance, stating, “Amari’s pathway through the course is noteworthy, if not remarkable. Despite the accident, she made great efforts to come to class and lab, and by the end of the semester, she exhibited a new-found interest and excitement about her studies.”

William McKinnon, the Clark Way Harrison Distinguished Professor in Arts & Sciences and director of the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences, also recognized Amari's efforts in the "Fundamentals of Planetary Science" course. "Amari was deeply engaged in the material, participated actively in class discussions, and contributed much to making the collaborative nature of that course a success," he said. "She is certainly deserving of the Baines Family Scholarship, and it will be a great boost to her academic career at WashU and beyond."

With the Baines Family Planetary Science Scholarship, Amari is well-positioned to advance her studies and continue making meaningful contributions to the scientific community. This scholarship will provide her with the necessary support to focus on her academic and research efforts, reflecting the resilience, curiosity, and dedication she has exhibited throughout her time at Washington University.