Matias Dovarganes
A Visionary Leader Bridging Science, Conservation, and Community Engagement
Matias Dovarganes is a high school junior at Ransom Everglades in Miami, Florida, recognized for his creativity, leadership, and commitment to addressing global challenges. As the producer, host, and writer of Fish On Air, Matias brings fresh perspectives to real-world issues, inspiring his audience to think critically and act creatively through expert interviews and engaging content.
More About Matias
A dedicated member of his high school varsity swim team, Matias has competed in the 500 and 200 meters at the state level for the past two years. His leadership extends to his role as vice president of the Synthetic Biology Club, where he promotes biodiversity and conservation. Matias is also passionate about the environment, as demonstrated through his volunteer work on coral reef restoration projects and his upcoming internship as a Botanical Associate at Montgomery Botanical Center.
Matias' research experience also includes a volunteer role at Operation Wallacea Somkhanda Game Reserve in South Africa, where he conducted surveys to assess the impact of herbivores on vegetation and estimate large mammal populations. He also contributed to bird surveys to determine local bird diversity.
Beyond his scientific pursuits, Matias enjoys teaching young minds at the Frost Museum of Science. He is enhancing his skills in both the humanities and technical fields through prestigious programs like NYU SPARC and the Yale Young Scholars: Solving Global Challenges program. Fluent in English and Spanish, and with a growing proficiency in Chinese, Matias is determined to make a meaningful impact in his community and around the world.
Dominique Cederberg
A Multitalented High Schooler Merging Art, Science, and Community Impact
Dominique is a junior in high school in Ransom Everglades, Florida. She is an active member of her school's varsity crew team and has competed for her school at multiple state events. Dominique is involved in many school clubs that represent her various interests such as her school's poetry club, art outreach program, rock band club, Brazilian culture club, and Environmental and Sustainability Council. She is also a member of her school's Young Researchers Program where she collaborates with other students to research amounts of microplastics in soil and seaweed by using lasers.
More About Dominique
She is extremely passionate about the arts, having participated in multiple musical productions in the past and occasionally performing for her school in a band. Her passion for art extends to studio art, which she spends most of her free time engaging in. Her subjects are usually portraits made with acrylic paint, graphite, colored pencil, digital art, and collage, but she also makes architectural models and drawings. She loves reading, her interests mostly focusing on older classics. Her artistic pieces and love for literature inspired her to explore writing poetry and short fiction.
Dominique met Matias in seventh grade at Ransom and they have been friends ever since. To take their conversations further, they came up with the idea of a local radio show to discuss themes and issues impacting their area and bringing relevant guests to educate themselves and their listeners. Blink 94.5 in Key Biscayne was gracious to give them an opportunity to make this idea come true.
