Hello! My name is Aoife Zuercher and I am the Ohio Rose.
I am a 22-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio and a recent graduate of Ohio University with honours degrees in Chemistry and Mathematics. Next month, I will be starting a PhD in Materials Engineering at the University of Maryland.
I work at NASA on next-generation batteries for electric aircraft. Through this work and research at school, I am a published author in scientific journals. I am passionate about advocating for women in science and a sustainable future through scientific discoveries.
Growing up, I have been an active member in the Cleveland Irish community, being a part of the Burke School of Irish Dance for 12 years. I am currently on the Cleveland Gaelic football team and bartending at Gormley's Irish Pub.
My heritage stems from my mother, Deirdre, born and raised in Dublin, and my father John, whose family is from Derry. Irish culture flows through my blood and emerges in my everyday life with a lively family and supportive Irish friends.
I am proud to represent my beautiful state Ohio in the 2024 Rose of Tralee International Festival.
