LDNE junor Samantha Chavira is no stranger to science. Being a member of the American Junior Academies of Science (AJAS), she has won awards for her research on DIFFERENTIATION OF MICROPLASTIC POLYMERS IN WATER THROUGH THE USE OF PHOTOSPECTROMETRY.
Her journey into the world of science is far from over. Each time a student from LDNE is inducted to the AJAS, LDNE science teacher Paul Timm buys a pennant for the college in the town at which the AJAS and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting is to occur.
“I'm quite proud of all that Sam has done with her research and greatly look forward to the continued research activities she has planned for the upcoming year,” Timm said.
This sort of event usually occurs where the sponsor and student fly to the location of the meeting where for 5 days they interact with other delegates from across the country as well as share their research with professional scientists attending the AAAS Annual Meeting.
Since it is a Covid year, instead, Sam has been regularly interacting with her fellow delegates over the past month in a series of shared events where they are learning and sharing their research.
“Because of covid AJAS has been limited to virtual meetings,” Samantha said. “The academy of science was able to put together a virtual fair where I have been able to converse with fellow delegates from other states. I’ve met many participants and talked about our research, hobbies, school, and other interests.”
Over the next two weeks Sam will be participating in a variety of events culminating in her being inducted as a Fellow to AJAS. One of the Plenary Lectures she will get to participate in includes Dr. Anthony Fauci.
“I feel that I have been able to learn just as much during virtual lectures and group discussions, but the quality of communication is definitely limited. There's nothing like being in a room with other scientists and participants talking face to face,” Samantha said.
Samantha is looking at this with a goal of becoming a better scientist and does not take it lightly. “This opportunity has been very rewarding. I’ve learned so much from listening to more experienced scientists like Dr. Francis Collins. I hope to use these skills to help advance my research even further.”
This will not be the last of Samantha’s adventures in the world of science. “Being inducted as a lifetime fellow to the American Junior Academies of Science has definitely opened a lot of doors for me and I hope to make the most of them,” Samantha concluded.
