Molly Paul

I'm a youth environmentalist and my second home since the age of five has been the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. I love marine science, STEM education, and working with people who want to help the natural world. I started my own conservation organization, Raleigh Aquatic Turtle Adoption, in 2006.

RATA re-homes unwanted pet turtles (often the red-eared slider, a global invasive species), fundraises for NC conservation organizations with Molly's Turtle Soap, and operates a Raleigh based STEM Leadership Camp for middle schoolers. I also have a conservation pledge with nearly 1,000 signatures.

STEM Leadership Camp was an idea that began in seventh grade. I'd been to single subject STEM camps and wanted to integrate all STEM subjects into one week. I had no idea how difficult it would be to start a camp. It failed twice but in 2013 my camp finally opened. I have about 16 campers each year.

I sell turtle shaped soaps, sugar/salt scrub, and tub soak. Recipes require trial and error. My soaps cost $4, $1 covers material costs and I donate $3 (no pay for me). I've raised over $22,000. Customers like orange and lavender scents best. They're for sale in a few shops and at special events.

I love talking about conservation, I share my favorite quotes from my mentors. From Dr. Jane Goodall, "Every single one of us can make a difference every single day" and from Dr. Emlyn Koster "Take the long view." I ask adults to listen to young people and I ask young people to join us.