2004 Minnesota
Thai Doan Grade
(no
photo)
2004
Generally, my role in
science at the high school level generally addresses science in nature. My
first project dealt with the creation of soap and its comparison to commercial
products in terms of biodegradability and safety in society. It was only at the
Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair that I learned that soap was basically in every
chemistry book on the planet. From there, I researched the neem
tree (Azadirachta indica) and
how when various substances are extracted from the tree itself, the substances
have been known to have miracle related effects. Finally, participating in the
Research and Engineering Apprenticeship Program allowed me to investigate the
use of mutually symbiotic, nitrogen-fixing bacteria on prairie legumes, using
the bacteria as an alternate source of nitrogen fertilizer. I am currently
adding revisions to my written paper on nitrogen deposition and will have it
pending for review shortly.
Scott McDonald
2004 Thomas
Jefferson,
Through my research at the
I have been able to combine aspects of
mechanical engineering, chemical engineering and physics in my design and
fabrication process. This being a human implantable micro fluidic pump, I have
had several contacts with researchers in the biomedical field. This meld
between science and human physiology had led me to approach how important such
research is to the advancement of medical science and other disciplines.
Prior to my undertaking this design and
fabrication project, Professor Ziaie assigned volumes
of reading about research methods and techniques for me to investigate. Many
days were spent at the
Based on my design and fabrication
hypothesis and utilizing the knowledge gained in studying different scientific
research methods, I have been able to fabrication a very productive and
functional human implantable micro-fluidic pump. In fact, the design and
fabrication process has led to some references to a future manufacturing of
this item. I am very fortunate to have been able to work with Professor Ziaie and his graduate staff in this endeavor.
The design and fabrication of this pump has led to my efforts in co-authoring an international conference paper submission for E.M.B.S. conference to be held later this year. I was also chosen to present a speech about my research and research product by the mentor connection staff at the mentor connection open house. During the open house experience, I had to prepare a poster display outlining the basic principles of my research and I also had to answer any questions people had as they observed my research.
William Mitchell
2004
I have done chemical research on a material which can be used for electrical generation, illumination, and as a material for microchips. The aspect of illumination has particularly intrigued me, and I have done some research into lighting using devices that are made from similar materials to those that I worked with. I found that these devices can greatly reduce the energy needed to provide the same amount of illumination. Further work is still needed, though, to improve this technology and decrease the energy consumption of the world.
Ning Zhou
2004
Two years ago, I proposed and
conducted a research project at the
2004 Minnesota
Honorable Mention
Sarah Blasing
2004
A substantive knowledge base in science requires not only classroom instruction, but also advanced analysis and student-initiated exploration. Here is a summary of academic pursuits and accomplishments in high school. In ninth grade I took an enriched physics and chemistry course. In tenth grade, I took enriched biology. This class had substantial instruction to enable students to take the AP biology test; I did and received a 5 indicating an "extremely well qualified" knowledge base in biology. In eleventh grade I skipped the introductory chemistry course and tested into the senior Advanced Placement Chemistry class. This was a really difficult course that was half instruction based and half laboratory based. I had the opportunity to learn more than I had ever imagined and was honored to receive on of the five ‘A’ grades given under the class grading scale. This class also thoroughly prepared its students to take the AP chemistry test; I did and again received a 5. In twelfth grade I took Enriched Physics, though it was not required, to broaden my knowledge of the sciences. As a culminating semester project, my group and I studied lightning through a mentor type relationship with several scientists at the Bakken Museum of Electricity. I plan on taking the AP physics test after this year as well. Also during my twelfth grade year, the Advanced Placement Calculus course I took frequently used physic problems as examples and I was able to integrate my mathematical knowledge with my scientific knowledge.
Cindy Fei
(no
photo)
2004
This year I participated in a
mentorship program called “Mentor Connection” and integrated my knowledge of
science with the area of medicine. I mentored under a pediatrician, Dr. Teresea Reid, for six months (10 hrs/wk);
practically every experience was an opportunity for me to apply my knowledge of
science. In studying children’s ailments with Dr. Reid, I was able to access my
biology knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the systems of the body. I
specifically was able to learn how diseases are acquired, prevented, and
treated. I was also able to see the effect science has had on the prenatal and
infancy care of children in hospitals during my time in the nursery at
Yuliya Perepelitsa
2004
By being involved in many
scientific activities, I understand the relationship among sciences, sciences
and other disciplines, and science and society. By being involved in the
Science Olympiad and having an understanding of multiple scientific fields, I
see that they are all intertwined and all depend on one another. For example in
order to understand something in biology, you would need to have an
understanding of chemistry or physics.
Amy Toberman
2004
Throughout high school I have challenged
myself by taking the most rigorous science courses offered at my school. I have
taken enriched physical science, AP Biology, AP Chemistry and Enriched Physics.
I also received a 4 on the AP Biology exam and a 3 on the AP Chemistry exam.
Finally, I have expanded my learning by participating in the Mentor Connection
program offered by
Diana Yang
2004
Sickle cell patients are given morphine to relieve and/or prevent the painful episodes which are common in this disease. It is thought that SC patients might have a higher than normal level of drug metabolizing enzymes, which might then remove morphine from the body at a much faster rate than is seen in non-SC patients. This would cause morphine to be less effective in controlling pain. A possible reason for these high levels of drug metabolizing enzymes is the high bilirubin levels found in SC patients' blood. BR is formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin. This is a normal process that occurs at a faster rate in SC patients, because of the damage done to red blood cells in SC. It has been seen that SC patients have higher than normal levels of BR in their blood. These high BR levels might trigger intracellular pathways that lead to increased expression of these enzymes in SC patients. Our goal is to find the best way to quantify the amount of BR in a plasma sample. Our hypothesis is that high-pressure liquid chromatography provides a better method of quantifying BR than other methods.