Wendy Zhang was the first ninth-grader in Howard to win an award ? first place ? at the Baltimore Science Fair last year for her life sciences project. She later represented Maryland at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Albuquerque, N.M. Wendy will be interning at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which is a part of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda in Montgomery, where she?ll be working under a scientist to gain hands-on lab experience. The sophomore at Marriotts Ridge High School in Marriottsville spoke with The Examiner about her interest in science.
What attracted you to science at such a young age?
Both of my parents are scientists. Science, especially biology, I feel is alive and part of our everyday lives. Both my parents have influenced me. As I?ve gotten into high school, I?m taking all the sciences now.
Why do you think a shortage of students are interested in science, technology, engineering and math fields?
Especially in school, you hear that science and math is not as cool as art and music. Students don?t really understand science and where a career in it can take you. Students might not realize that these people work behind the scenes.
How can schools make classes in science, technology, engineering and math more engaging?
There were a lot of students in the video [shown at the STEM conference recently in Howard] about them wanting more labs and hands-on experience. And it?s definitely a good idea for businesses to come into the classes. Students can learn about competitions and prizes and be motivated to compete. If students can see the benefits, I think that?ll make science and math more interesting.
