Julie Fukunaga, a Stanford University freshman, is fascinated by the intersection of technology and social impact, especially in education. By combining computer programming with electrical engineering, Fukunaga has been creating environmental engineering projects for regional and state science fairs such as a “smart” aquaponic system controllable through a mobile app, a self-navigating, algae-fighting boat that uses ultrasonic sound, and a weed-sensing, selective herbicide sprayer for vineyards. On campus, Fukunaga is involved with various organizations such as CS + Social Good, Stanford Society of Women Engineers, and the Haas Center for Public Service.

As the daughter of a grape farmer in the heart of Central California, environmental issues especially in agriculture have inspired Fukunaga to make a difference as in the community, whether lending a hand in grant-writing, teaching kids to be passionate about environmental issues, or leading xeriscaping and urban revitalization efforts. Julie is also one of fifteen members of the EarthEcho International Youth Leadership Council.

Since being selected as a 2015 Bezos Scholar, Julie has led the Tokay High School STEAM Team as the founder of the NorCal Science & Technology Festival, an "amusement park" with over 50 hands-on experiments, activities, and presenters (http://www.norcalsciencefestival.org). Their mission is to engage the community in science and the arts, especially in the underrepresented demographics of female and low income students. Their first annual festival, which took place on February 20th, had 2,500 science-loving students, educators, and parents from all around Northern California attend.

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