Stella Hong is an environmental advocate and researcher passionate about food and water security. Her passion for the environment began in her garden, where she witnessed the devastating effects of heatwaves and intense storms on crops. Stella’s work combines fieldwork, research, and youth education, focused on the belief that the health of communities and the health of the environment are deeply intertwined.
Stella is the founder of HydroHarvest, a student-led initiative that empowers families across Greater Washington to grow their own food through hydroponics. Thus far, she has built 200+ home grow kits, taught 1000+ underserved youth to garden, and distributed over 1100+ pounds of surplus produce. For her work with HydroHarvest, she has been recognized as an International Young Eco-Hero, Iris STEM Prize finalist, and a Children’s Environmental Health Network’s Youth Leader.
Currently, Stella also serves as a youth representative on the Town of Vienna’s Conservation and Sustainability Council, where she works to advance tree coverage, composting, and environmental education in her community. At her high school, Stella leads the Students for Environmental Action Club, where she leads native plantings, invasive removals, stream cleanups, and works to engage youth in environmental advocacy. Previously, Stella has served as a student representative on Bow Seat’s Future Blue Youth Council, where she was one of 14 students selected internationally to help advise the environmental nonprofit Bow Seat. Through her work on the council, she mentored youth-led initiatives across the world and created campaigns advocating for ocean protection.
Stella’s passion for the environment also extends into the lab. As a Simons researcher at Stony Brook University, she developed an inexpensive, non-toxic water filter for lead and cadmium. She has also conducted research at George Mason University studying microbial-based fungicides.
In her free time, Stella loves tending to her orchid collection, running, and crocheting. She believes that youth have a tremendous capacity to enact change, and she hopes to equip youth around the world with the tools to do so. Stella is excited to advance environmental advocacy as a member of the World Ocean Day Advisory Council!