Sarrah Kitchell

Sarrah graduated from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics and intends to major in materials science and engineering at Columbia University. Having grown up in a small town in the mountains of Northwest North Carolina, Sarrah took an early interest in conservation and sustainability, largely imparted on her by her grandfather. She quickly developed a passion for answering questions about the world around her, completing thirteen research projects in various fields of science and mathematics throughout elementary and middle school.

In her sophomore year of high school, Sarrah was invited to study at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics for her junior and senior years. At NCSSM, Sarrah was accepted to the Research in Chemistry program, where she spent one year researching, designing, and executing an independent research project of her own design. Combining her love of sewing and budding interest in organic chemistry, Sarrah studied how different textile blends responded to alkaline hydrolysis in an effort to turn polyester destined for the landfill into PET plastic suitable for the consumer market. In the summer of 2025, her research was published in The Morganton Scientific Journal.

In addition to research, Sarrah spent 4 years as a co-captain of a FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team. She helped lead her team to numerous awards on the regional, state, and international level, while developing skills in Computer Aided Design, graphic design, public speaking, and team management. In 2023, Sarrah was selected as a conference presenter at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, TX, where she presented on creating skill development and sustainability plans to increase the performance and longevity of FIRST teams. Sarrah is also a four-time presenter at robotics events in Chicago IL, and Greensboro, NC, where she spoke on topics like team branding and women in FIRST robotics programs. After graduating from the program, Sarrah has stayed involved through mentoring other FIRST teams and volunteering at competitions as a referee, scorekeeper, and field resetter.

A passionate artist, Sarrah has performed in seven plays and musicals throughout high school, and has completed countless sewing projects over the years, including making her prom dress from scratch. She also loves to hike, rock climb, backpack, and roller skate.

Sarrah is excited to be a part of the Columbia community, and is looking forward to exploring the ways she can learn from and contribute to Columbia and New York City in the next four years.