I’m a senior at Oceanside High School. The research I’ve done thus far aims to quantify coca-based deforestation in relation to the Andean region, Colombia specifically. Great strides have been made most recently when predicting future deforestation, with and without coca, revealing rather alarming results and a dire future for the Colombian rain forest if steps are not taken. This research will hopefully influence future policy making regarding both drugs and deforestation. I have a deep fascination with all things environmental, from pollution to biodiversity, and plan on dedicating my life to make a positive change in the world. My ultimate goal is to become an Environmental Engineer as a medium to execute this change, and I hope to use my research as a stepping stone to get there.