Adam developed a passion for sustainability during an immersion trip to Navajo Nation, where he saw firsthand the impact environmental degradation has on the families and communities living there. His passion, however, goes beyond working to restore and rejuvenate the world around us. Rather, it is about educating and empowering others to take action and create meaningful change in their own communities. 

When a waste audit at his high school showed compost contamination rates as high as 50 percent, Adam knew his campus community could be doing more to reduce the amount of waste going to local landfills. That waste produces methane gas, a greenhouse gas that is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Soon after, he coded and designed WasteCam– an AI-powered camera that detects and analyzes different types of waste in real time to help staff and students sort compostable utensils, plates and napkins from his high school’s lunch room. The initiative lowered the campus’ compost contamination rate to around 5 percent, and while Adam is still in the testing phase, his goal is to eventually implement WasteCam nationwide. He also organized a prayer service dedicated to environmental activism, highlighting his unique ability to brainstorm creative, impactful solutions in a variety of spaces. 

When it comes to success, Adam recognized the value of teamwork early on. He characterizes the start of WasteCam as a collaborative effort among mentors, friends and others who provided feedback and support. He thinks all young people should seek out and learn from those who are more experienced, and stay open to constructive feedback.

Adam also believes in the transformative power of open-mindedness, compassion and adaptability. Whether collecting and re-distributing used clothing through the Student Climate Coalition, leading immersion trips to the Navajo Nation, or re-distributing books to Native American, refugee and Title 1 students through the Driving Empowerment, Action, and Learning (DEAL) Club, Adam is dedicated to ensuring underserved communities are seen, supported, and empowered. He strives to take advantage of the experiences the world has to offer, and feels learning about people, issues or places outside of his comfort zone makes him a better person.

In addition to his acts of service, Adam is a member of the Cross Country Team, sings with the prestigious traveling Pueri Cantores choir, the official student choral organization of the Catholic Church, and recently started an internship as an Applied Sustainability Research intern at Circular Earth. He hopes to one day work in the climate tech industry.