Students give thanks for once-in-a-lifetime opportunity from the President
Imagine what our nation and the world will be like in 50 years and beyond — that was the challenge President Barack Obama encouraged participants to take on at the day-long White House Frontiers Conference in Pittsburgh in October. A few Society for Science & the Public alumni — Intel ISEF 2016 finalists — took on this challenge at the conference, which brought together researchers, business leaders, technologists, philanthropists, local innovators, and students who are the “change-makers” of tomorrow.
As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and think about giving thanks, please take a moment to read through inspiring blog posts from five Intel ISEF 2016 alumni who were ecstatic and thankful for the opportunity to “explore America’s potential to broaden participation and advance towards the frontiers that will make the world healthier, more prosperous, more equitable, and more secure.”
- Jiwoo Lee, a senior at the Academy for Medical Science Technology in Bergen County Academies, in Hackensack, N.J. (Intel ISEF 2016 finalist), was wowed by descriptions of futuristic wind turbines.
- Syamantak Payra, a junior at Clear Brook High School in Friendswood, Texas (Intel ISEF 2016 finalist, Broadcom MASTERS 2014 semifinalist) said he was inspired by the White House Frontiers Conference to help make the world a better place.
- Aarushi Pendharkar, a senior at Massachusetts Academy of Math and Science in Worcester, Mass. (Intel ISEF 2016 finalist) couldn’t believe she was able to hear President Obama speak (from the third row!), and said the conference made her even more passionate about her research.
- Amber Yang, a senior at Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park, Fla. (Intel ISEF 2016 finalist) noted that the conference “was the perfect convening for space nerds like me.”
- Surabhi Mundada, a senior at Olympia High School in Olympia, Wa. (Intel ISEF 2016 finalist) said hearing President Obama encourage the younger generation to focus on STEM was extremely inspiring.
- Mihir Garimella, a senior at Fox Chapel Area High School in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Broadcom MASTERS 2013 finalist, Intel ISEF 2015 finalist), learned the importance of sharing science fair work with the world and communities who could benefit most.
