Biology Major Sophia Boothby Named Margaret Boyd Scholar

Sophia Boothby

Sophia Boothby, Environmental Biology major, is a new member of the Margaret Boyd Scholars Program, Ohio University’s first and only women’s scholars program.

In Her Words:

Siyo! My name is Sophia Grace Boothby and you just learned how to say “hello to all” in Cherokee. I am an environmental biology major and a huge advocate for the environment and Native American rights.

I grew up mostly in historic downtown Fredericksburg, but I have lived almost everywhere along the east coast because my father is a retired Marine Sniper. Both of my parents are from Ohio and in an odd twist of events both me and my sister ended up at Ohio University. Growing up, I was my father’s “son” and my fondest memories were fishing and camping in the woods with my dad. He taught me to appreciate nature and treat it with respect, and I became passionate about everything science. My mother is from Cherokee descent, and in my high school years I got in touch with my native American roots and culture, even teaching myself some of the Cherokee language. My sophomore year, my dad and I were lucky to protest the keystone pipeline in Washington DC alongside some amazing tribes, which led the president to veto the bill (Thanks Obama). After a rocky first semester as a biochemistry major, I ended up deciding to switch to Environmental Biology to eventually pursue a law degree, so I could feel the triumph like what I felt in Washington DC that day.

The other half of my life is dedicated to the sport of field hockey. I am a proud member of the Ohio Field Hockey team, where I play the position of goalie (I never was one for skirts). A lot of people in Ohio do not know the sport of field hockey, so I encourage you to come see a game! Fun fact: it is the third most watched sport in the world; right after soccer and cricket. Since I am a goalie, I am covered head to toe in pads, and I am lucky to say that three hours a day I get to have a hard-plastic ball hit at me at fantastic speeds. It’s something I have done since second grade, and it has taught me so much about dedication and team work.

Some interesting facts about me: I am half an inch shy from six feet tall, my sister is also a Margaret Boyd scholar, I used to be a concert cellist, and I have scoliosis. Feel free to use these as ice breakers. You can also reach me at sb817216@ohio.edu.