Rohan Agrawal

  

Volume 10 | Issue I | March 2026

Millburn High School ’26

New Jersey, United States

  

I have always maintained a fervent curiosity in learning about humanity’s relationship to the environment, both in the past and present. Reading stories and watching documentaries on how ancient civilizations arose, I became fascinated by how societies depended on their natural surroundings for survival and cultural identity. From learning about the Tigris and Euphrates in my middle school world history class, I developed a profound interest in the role of rivers in shaping human civilization. Having lived in the United States, India, and Hong Kong, I have witnessed firsthand how the environment shapes worldview and tradition. This inspired me to approach my research using a comparative lens, analyzing the distinct civilizations that arose near two of the longest rivers in the world, the Nile and the Amazon. Publishing my paper with The Schola allowed me to examine the cultural, political, and economic features that emerged in these civilizations as a result of seasonal flooding, the layout of tributaries, and variations in the climate. This emphasizes the influence of these bodies of water while also highlighting the importance of sustainable ecological management. Beyond research, I am also the Vice President of the Ocean Conservation Club at my high school and have created a sustainable business, selling plantable stationery, to encourage environmentally conscious consumption. I maintain a strong interest in environmental anthropology and narratives surrounding water management in contemporary society.