Leah Kocian is an industry-funded researcher and PhD candidate at Texas A&M University, working under the guidance of Dr. Binayak P. Mohanty. Her research explores the potential of urban gardens in carbon sequestration and the dynamics of contaminant fate and transport within these ecosystems. Leah's work aims to enhance public health, environmental safety, and efforts to mitigate atmospheric carbon levels. Beyond her academic pursuits, Leah serves as Chair of the Board for the Texas A&M Graduate Student Consulting Club, where she spearheaded the university's first-ever case competition, attracting judges from top-tier consulting firms including Bain, BCG, and McKinsey. She is also committed to community service, volunteering regularly at the Star of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Houston's homeless population. In her personal time, Leah enjoys staying active through workouts, building intricate LEGO creations, and running a personal business where she crafts productivity-enhancing tools and Notion templates tailored for graduate students.