Katherine Owsiany is in her sophomore year at Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York, double-majoring in Chemistry and Biology, with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Biology. She works at the Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, researching the molecular mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of beta-carotene, developing and testing crops enriched with this vitamin A precursor. Katherine would like to obtain a dual MD/PhD degree and work as a physician/scientist, preferably in oncology.

Aside from her research, Katherine is involved in community outreach and fundraising for the Ithaca Health Alliance, which provides health care to the uninsured of Ithaca and Tompkins County. The work is challenging and takes her out of her comfort zone, while also supporting equal access to basic and holistic health care for all. She sings for the Chai Notes, an a cappella group at Cornell, and her favorite song in the repertoire this year is "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz.