Aryan Sharma is a student researcher, environmental innovator, and student leader from Irvine, California. His research focuses on sustainable water treatment, carbon capture, and controlled-environment agriculture. Working in Dr. Peter Burke’s laboratory at the University of California, Irvine, Aryan developed a voltage-incremented capacitive deionization method designed to improve the selective and energy-efficient removal of nitrate from contaminated water. His research has earned recognition at regional, state, national, and international science competitions, including the California Science and Engineering Fair and the International Science and Engineering Fair. He is also currently working at the USC Rewater System, focusing on PFAS analysis, quantification, and treatment. Aryan is also the founder and president of GRASP International, an organization that develops sustainability programs and educational initiatives with schools in India. Beyond scientific research, he is an award-winning writer and editor who is passionate about communicating complex environmental challenges and making scientific innovation accessible to broader audiences.