Biography

Both my parents are business professionals who are not involved in the science field. Despite this, they have always supported my interest in science. From an early age, science was something that seemed to fit into my life. As a child, I enjoyed experimenting with weird little projects, like mixing together different things I could get my hands on, and observing the results. My real interest in my experiments was in learning the reasons why, and that curiosity has propelled me forward in life.

During my intermediate to middle school years, I was required to complete science and later optional math projects. Before entering high school, I competed at several science and math fairs targeted at younger age groups.

Upon entering high school I chose to take an elective called Science Research. I knew that Commack High School was very committed to its science program and I hoped that this class would introduce me to new theories and ideas that I never knew to be possible. Due to the dedication of my teacher, Mr. Kurtz, this program has surpassed any expectations. My school based science projects have included analyzing the coffee ring effect as it applies to ink jet printers, creating a microbial fuel cell for testing factors to maximize energy production, and, most recently, an attempt to create a sonoluminescence device. I first contacted Dr. Noe during the winter months of the 2013-2014 school year while working on my sonoluminescence device.

In addition to my involvement with Science Research, I am also very involved with other outside activities. I have always been an avid reader and writer and as such I am on the editorial board for both my school newspaper and literary magazine. I play the cello and I am a Pops Orchestra participant at Commack High School. I have played community soccer since kindergarten and for the last seven years have played as a defender for my current interleague team. For the last three years, I have also volunteered in the physical therapy unit of a local nursing home.

I am very excited at the prospect of doing science research at Stony Brook University and am thankful for the opportunity to work with such distinguished professionals.