Dancing with Science
By Caitlin Jennings, Communications Specialist, Society for Science & the Public
“My most vivid memory of Intel ISEF was just the immense amount of knowledge and curiosity that filled the entire convention center,” Madelyn Ho (Intel ISEF 2003, Intel STS Semifinalist 2004) says. “There were so many interesting and well-developed projects that it was impossible to even begin learning about all of them.”
Madelyn made it to Intel ISEF with her award-winning research on protein adhesion, which was the result of many hours of hard work in the lab. However, in addition to her research, she also spent a lot of time during high school in the dance studio. She took both her passions to Harvard where she earned a B.A. in Chemical and Physical Biology and danced with the Harvard Ballet and Harvard Dance Program.
“The same principles of science research of exploration and understanding are also found in dance,” Madelyn says. “I think that the discipline I gained from doing science research, the need to be detail-oriented, but still maintain perspective of the larger picture, are directly applied to my dancing, where I’m constantly refining my execution of choreography. But they’re only meaningful in the context of the entire piece.”
She is currently a member of Taylor 2, a group with the Paul Taylor Dance Company that performs modern dance, teaches workshops, and does other community outreach across the country. Madelyn recently told the Theater Development Fund that working with students is one of her favorite parts of touring with Taylor 2: “What we do helps kids understand how to look at dance and find fulfillment from it, not be intimidated by it.They’ll be the next generation going to performances because of it.” Madelyn is also looking out for the next generation of scientists and science enthusiasts. “Keep asking questions!” she advises aspiring researchers. “Learn about anything and everything, but also find something that you’re particularly interested in to learn about it more in-depth.”
Madelyn plans to return to her roots in science, but that doesn’t mean she will leave dancing. “Dance and science are not exclusive passions of mine. I have had the opportunity to combine them in an internship at the Harkness Center for Dance Injuries.
After dancing, I plan to attend medical school and use my dance and science knowledge in dance medicine,” she says. “I have always found a strong connection to the beauty of science.”
- Watch a video of the Paul Taylor Dance Company.
- Read an article about Madelyn in the Harvard Crimson.
- Read an article about Madelyn in Dance Spirit Magazine.
- Learn more about the Society’s Alumni Program.
