Zaina Merchant | Environmental Engineering
"Get involved and be open to all experiences and opportunities. There’s so much value in trying new things – you never know what you might discover about yourself.” --Zaina Merchant
Passionate about her major in environmental engineering, Zaina Merchant hopes to pursue a PhD to conduct research on air quality and public policy and work at a federal agency such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with an eventual goal of returning to academia as a professor, where she can use her knowledge to train future generations.
Why Rutgers?
It’s a high-ranking school with strong industry connections and ground-breaking research initiatives. It’s also close to my hometown in central Jersey, so that was definitely a plus.
What do you like best about your environmental engineering major?
My favorite part is how versatile and interdisciplinary it is. As a joint program between the School of Engineering and the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, it’s unique. There is also a substantial overlap between environmental engineering and public health and policy, which are fields I am especially excited to delve into in the future.
Do you have a favorite professor or mentor?
My research advisor, Xiaomeng Jin, has been an exceptional mentor over the past two years. I was in her very first cohort of Aresty Research Assistants, and am beyond grateful that I had the honor of being her research assistant. I will always cherish the journey we shared at Rutgers.
Have you had any internships or special projects?
Since junior year, I’ve researched how socioeconomically disadvantaged populations are disproportionately impacted by air pollution, culminating in my current participation in the James J. Slade Scholars program and my research presentation in January at the American Meteorological Society 105th Annual Meeting in New Orleans.
I’ve also been able to apply concepts learned in class to real-world engineering projects through summer internships as an environmental planning intern at Dewberry, and as an environmental planning intern at Parsons Corporation.
What about extracurriculars?
As a member of Students for Environmental and Energy Development (SEED) I currently co-lead a project to develop a low-cost sensor to measure campus air quality. I’ve actively sought out mentorship opportunities, which have contributed to my personal growth. I’m an engineering peer advisor, helping first-year students navigate Rutgers and I have been a learning assistant for several courses.
What surprised you the most about Rutgers Engineering?
I was surprised to see how diverse it is, and the various initiatives to uplift underrepresented students in engineering and provide students with innumerable development and educational opportunities. As a woman of color, I feel represented and valued here.
What will you miss the most?
I’ll miss the people at Rutgers. Through my major and extracurricular activities, I’ve met amazing students, professors, and deans who work incredibly hard for the sole purpose of helping others succeed.
What is your favorite SoE memory?
It was volunteering as a First Year Transition Leader during the 2024 SoE Kickoff. Creating a fun day for the incoming first-year students was incredibly fulfilling. Since my first year was hybrid, we didn’t have a Kickoff, so I was grateful to eventually experience this event.
What advice do you have for future students?
Get involved! Rutgers offers a plethora of student organizations, research, and work opportunities. Additionally, be open to all experiences and opportunities, even if they’re not in your field of study. There’s so much value in trying new things – you never know what you might discover about yourself.
What three words best describe your SoE experience?
Developmental. Insightful. Fulfilling.
