4 November 2026
We caught up with Sofia to hear about life abroad, the lessons she's carried from her rowing days, and why taking a leap into the unknown can lead to some of life's most rewarding experiences.
What’s one thing about life in Seattle that surprised you the most?
The proximity to everything you could possibly want. Mountains, lakes, the ocean, concerts, art, good food - genuinely anything you could ask for. I like to think of Seattle as an “everything city”. Before moving here, the only things I associated Seattle with were ferries, and the show Grey’s Anatomy. Now I know it is so much more than that.
Describe a typical day in your life in three words.
Lively
Chaotic
Curious
What’s been your proudest moment since moving to the US?
I think my proudest moment since moving to the US has been finding my place as a student as a researcher. Before coming here, I jumped between different areas of study and never quite knew what truly interested me. Discovering cryospheric science changed my life. For the first time, I found something that genuinely excited me.
Presenting my research at seminars and conferences and realising that I belonged in those rooms was such a turning point for me. It’s very easy to feel intimidated when you’re surrounded by talented scientists, but the people in this community encouraged me to see that I had something valuable to contribute. This confidence inspired me to pursue a PhD and continue building a career in research.
As a collegiate rower, what’s one lesson from sport that has shaped who you are off the water?
“We > Me”. Rowing taught me that the best outcomes often come when you’re willing to be selfless, and put your team’s success ahead of your own. I try to incorporate this mindset into every part of my life, whether it’s my family, my friendships, my research group, or my studies. I genuinely believe that investing your time and energy into the people around you creates the most meaningful and fulfilling life.
If you could take one thing from Australia to the US (besides family and friends), what would it be?
My big fat cat, Murr. I miss him every day.
What’s your favourite hidden gem or must-do spot in Seattle?
Taking the Seattle Ferry. It has the best views of the city, the mountains, and the water, and it is the perfect reminder of what makes Seattle so special. Plus, if you have ever wanted your own Derek Shepherd moment from Grey’s Anatomy, there is truly no better place.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am a terrible cook. You’d think that after four years of living on my own, my cooking skills would have improved. But somehow they have only gotten worse. Within a week of moving into my current house, I almost set the kitchen on fire and scared my roommates so much that they reinstalled all the smoke alarms.
Who has had the biggest influence on your journey so far?
It is hard to identify just one person. I think I’m the culmination of everyone who’s been part of my life, much like an art gallery is the culmination of many different artists. Each person has shared a little piece of them with me, and together they have all shaped the person I am today.
If you could give one piece of advice to a Pembroke student dreaming of studying overseas, what would it be?
Be curious, be scared, but most importantly, be persistent. Chasing something that you’ve always wanted is terrifying, especially when it means leaving everything familiar behind. But home will always be there waiting for you. If you have the opportunity, take the leap, it’ll be one of the best decisions you ever make.
When you think about Pembroke, what’s the first memory that comes to mind?
Cake Tute in the Hill House classrooms every week. I looked forward to it every single time, excited to see the treats my classmates had baked. Meanwhile, without fail, I would show up with a cheap Woolworths mud cake while everyone else was producing what felt like Gordon Ramsay-level desserts. Looking back at it now, I like to think Cake Tute was one of my less selfless pursuits.
