Rokia Sissoko

Class of 2028

Hometown: Pittsboro, NC

Major: Chemistry

Rokia Sissoko is pursuing degrees in Geology and Chemistry. The Haw River’s ongoing contamination issues in her hometown of Pittsboro, North Carolina sparked her passion for environmental conservation. As an OUR Scholar, Rokia conducts research on water filtration technologies to improve the capture of PFAS. She gives back to her community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity at Charlotte as well as serving as an officer of the Lady Lifters club. Additionally, she is a member of the Niner Guide team and GEO club. Rokia completed her nonprofit internship at the Catawba Lands Conservancy & Carolina Thread Trail, where she supported conservation initiatives by creating educational materials maintaining trails while gaining hands-on experience in land stewardship and forest management. After graduation, Rokia plans to volunteer with the Peace Corps before obtaining a doctorate in geoscience, advancing sustainable environmental practices through research, education and community engagement.