Pari Shah is a rising sophomore undergraduate student pursuing the premed track and debating majoring in either neuroscience, chemistry, or public policy at the University of Chicago. She has a strong interest in bioelectronic medicine and environmental policy. She worked with the World Food Prize Organization for the past few years to generate research papers on agricultural practices outside Delhi and collaborate with the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Kenya to study efficient and novel agrotechnologies. She is also part of the Global Health Association, the Model UN Team, and Field Hockey and Bhangra Team.
In September, Shah attended Climate Week NYC 2025 with the Institute’s first student delegation.
“This week has been eye opening in terms of seeing how climate intertwines with other industries and the wide range of careers within the climate field. Through meeting with and listening to startups, consulting firms, and investment advisors, I was able to understand more about how climate change is usually a benefactor in today’s market. It was really inspiring to see how many people are in this emerging field.”
Previously, Shah was part of the Institute’s India Summer Fellows program in Delhi and Ahmedabad in July 2025.
“Over these past three weeks, this fellowship opened my eyes to the intersection between climate change, urban planning, and equity. In Delhi, we engaged with leading scientists and policymakers on transport decarbonization, solid waste management, carbon permitting, and data-driven tools like the Pollution Under Control Certification system. In Ahmedabad, we explored climate change through an urban lens by focusing on vulnerable populations, spatial inequality, and China-India-US dynamics. This program has inspired me to pursue the new Climate and Sustainable Growth major and work with NGOs like Adopt a Queen Bee and SEWA to further my understanding and help create a sustainable change.”