I've been back now for several days. So swamped that I haven't been able to finish this Blog...I've shared some of the stories with my students...the Nobel Prize Laureates, the birthday cake, the roaches...
First, I want to share some of the specifics of the projects that NEFRSEF took to ISEF. I will give my short, small brain version of their projects....because there is SOOO much I don't understand!
Mohan and Dileep - They worked with Dr's and volunteered at hospitals/nursing homes where they assisted Alzheimer's patients. They researched that Alzheimer's disease deals, in part, with the flow of current past tissues in the brain. They experimented by passing a current through tissues (squid tissue/alcohol) to gain a better understanding of how to improve the flow of current and hence aide in the symptoms associated with Alzheimer's. These guys wanted to do something to improve the situation of Alzheimer's patients! Is that awesome or what!!! Mohan was the most respectful young man I have ever met. He was very proud that he had become a US citizen just 3 weeks ago! Dileep had an incredible work ethic - he took 5 exams (AP & IB) the week we were in LA...and he never complained! Dileep is on his way to Rice University. What great young people!
Morgan - She has been working on a project for a couple of years now and she is not done! She is doping metals to make them better nanoconductors. (I think this translates into making better conductive metals. ) Morgan was our cheerleader and veteran - she gets everyone excited to be at Science Fair and is an incredible role model to her peers. She is so proud of her work at Camp I Am Special. When Morgan's around you can't help but be happy. She is one her way to UC Berkeley. Another incredible young person!
Andrew - He genetically engineered a new strand of rice that would survive greater environmental stresses. Are you blown away yet? Andrew was very poised and professional. (Which explains why he thought I was weird!) Andrew has family in LA so we were lucky to have them around us for the awards ceremony and dinner. What a great family...everyone of them! Andrew won a Special Award and took 3rd Place in his category. Another incredible person!
Gabby - She took it all in. We have all informed her that her project needs to be the caliber of what she has witnessed at ISEF. She's nervous but has so much passion for her work that I know she will do great things! She was thrilled when she got a call from her Dad about locating some DNA for her project...she has plans to work on it over the summer! Another incredible person!
Chris - In his project, he engineered a "magnetic levitation train propulsion system" by "altering" the current. There's so much to this I can't put it together. When Chris talks to me about it he speaks v e r y s l o w l y.
And I still don't get it! Chris like Morgan is viewed as a veteran of the group...he is the voice of experience!
Chris won 3 Special Awards and took 2nd Place in his category! He made over $12,000. Is that incredible or what? Chris is on his way to MIT.
Well, the fun is over but the memories will last a lifetime...cliche I know! I was inspired by the young people - NEFRSEF's and those I met at ISEF. My hope is that by sharing their stories it will inspire others as well. The sky is the limit...you set your ceiling. It was such a wonderful time. I am honored to have been a part of it. A "shout out" to my admin for encouraging me to go!
I was lucky to chaperon with great people...Mr. Doug (Boss Man - I just made that up...but you needed a name!) Ms.Kristy (Butterfly Princess / ISEF Biffle!) and Dr. Raj (Dr. Tranquility - did you know that air travel to India is 28 hours? That made our 4 hours of travel from Atlanta to LA seem like nothing!)
Thanks for the memories and God Bless,
Teacher McSchmitty (Mama Bear)
