Ian Falcon is a rising junior at Columbia University majoring in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Climate, Environment, and Energy Solutions. His academic focus involves researching clean energy technologies and creating solutions to reduce environmental impacts across the industrial sector. As a first-generation, low-income student from rural Texas, Ian is passionate about expanding educational and environmental learning opportunities for underserved communities. Ian applied to the Social Impact Fellowship to leverage the world-class knowledge, resources, and faculty available at Columbia University to create meaningful change. Through the Social Impact Fellowship, Ian strives to learn from industry and community leaders about effective strategies to make education and economic mobility more accessible to underserved rural communities. He hopes to apply the knowledge and skills gained through the fellowship to empower his community and many other rural communities facing similar barriers to opportunity.