I’m a Jersey girl currently attending Villanova University, and I’m so excited to grow my role as a Lead Water Challenge Ambassador! My love of water began with ocean documentaries mesmerizing me for hours as a baby. As a toddler, I remember crying because plastic bottles and trash littered my family’s favorite local beach. I couldn’t comprehend how people could do that to such a beautiful place.

The Jersey shore is my life, but my grandma was a travel agent so I’ve experienced coastal environments in many places, from Hawaii to the Mediterranean. I snorkeled in Jamaica at three, then again on my first trip to Maui. I was in awe of the coral reefs and colorful darting fish. At six, I visited Mexico, water-confident and fearlessly diving on my own, swimming with enormous grouper, graceful stingrays, and coming face-to-face with barracuda — THAT opened up my entire world! At eight, drifting with Hawaiian Green sea turtles, I realized how much I cared. One day, my dad described how the reefs had changed since he was young. That deeply upset me. As I dove deeper, I learned how our choices impact our oceans and waterways, and this has fueled my drive to make a difference.

I am currently pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science and a career in geoscience and hydrology/hydrogeology. I was recently selected to engage in undergraduate research as an Industrials & Manufacturing ESG Analyst for the Villanova Business Sustainability Society. I am a proud member of Villanova’s Leadership Communitas, Blue Key Society, Outdoors Club, Debate and Public Speaking, and Special Olympics Inclusion Crew. I am also a member of two professional organizations: the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the New Jersey Water Environment Association.  

Last year, I organized a GenSea Shoreline Cleanup through Ocean Wise, developed and presented an educational workshop for first and second grade students about plastic pollution, and collaborated with professional organizations to initiate and implement a native pollinator garden project involving more than 80 high school science students. These projects were so rewarding and were all inspired by my work as a Water Challenge Ambassador!

I enjoy bringing my worlds together to support my Ambassadorship and implement Water Challenge projects that make a measurable impact in our community and beyond. I love sharing what I do and collaborating with those who have common goals to help inspire change. Having the opportunity to serve as a Lead Ambassador is a dream come true and the impact we are making together is far greater than any one person could do alone. Please follow all my earthly adventures on Instagram @_earth.2.ava_ and connect with me on LinkedIn (Ava Bocchiaro)!