First of all, I have a tremendous passion for STEM research.

I absolutely love conducting

my own research, not for school, but for the thrill of discovery. Since as long as I can
remember, I have been inventing and building such things; curious investigation often
brings practical application. Hence, that is what I can bring to Science Team, innovation.
I look forward to applying my ideas to scientific concepts outside of a schools
curriculum. I understand that BARSO isnt just an arts and crafts competition, but one
that relies on the fundamentals of scientific principles and modification. Its one that
sparks innovation! For example, in the event, Egg Rotor Drop, I was put under this
situation. It was a new event that year and the only information on the SciOly forums
came from buying kits. However, my partner and I refused this easy solution and
conducted our own personal research. By applying trigonometry and the knowledge we
gained from math competitions, we discovered the optimal wingspan for the rotor to fit in
a box using the space diagonal. Afterwards, we spent countless weeks (and balsa wood)
to find the perfect aerodynamic angle from induced flow and rotational relative wind
(24.8). In the end, we outcompeted everybody else and placed 2nd. The purpose of this
anecdote was to show my dedicated to the sciences and that I will take such lengths to
discover the key to excellence.
I chose Astronomy due to my profound fascination to the mysteries of deep space.
During my study for Reach for the Stars, the middle school version of Astronomy, I
spent a lot of time analyzing at the physics behind planetary objects and orbitals. So
much so, that I went a little too in-depth with my research since Reach for the Stars
was more identifying stars from constellations and H-R Diagrams, than on its actual core
principles. However, upon reading the wiki on Astronomy and looking at its past tests,
I have a renewed interest in it. There is a copious amount of information that appeals to
me and hence, I would love to do research regardless of it actually being my event or not.
Maybe my old, in-depth Reach for the Stars binder can be put into use. :)
As for Cell Biology, I am greatly interested in the application of the structures and life of
a eukaryotic/prokaryotic cell. I am currently taking AP Biology and I am always
interested on reading upon how each individual component contributes to the overall
fitness and purpose to something. I believe that this event is a great opportunity for me to
delve deeper and quench my insatiable curiosity. I already have a fundamental understand
for both of these events and I am determined to study them even more.
Yes, build events!! These are actually my favorite events, hands down, for it gives me a
chance to become creative and truly let my ideas run wild. For "Robot Arm," I believe
that I am qualified for this event because it deals with my passion, mechanical
engineering. Currently, I am in the Mechanical subdivision for AVBotz, where I am able
to coordinate ideas with a team and actually compete against top-tier colleges. I am pretty
adept in CAD and 3D Modeling. Additionally, I have access to a 3D Printer and
Solidworks (CAD Design Software) so I am able to design most of the robot arm's parts.
Also, I find it interesting that the "Robot Arm" event is similar to the servo arms for the
dropper mechanism in the AVBotz robot. I am confident that I will be able to create
something awesome. Next at "Wind Power," I am extremely hyped as well. Right now, I
am conducting my own research for a science fair to convert environmental energy into

energy viable for personal use. In addition, the rotors for the turbine is largely associated
with the rotor from my Egg Rotor Drop. This is right up my alley. Looking at both of
these build events, I cannot wait to use my past knowledge and apply them to another
competitive setting.
Since I am already in AP Chemistry, "Chem Lab" seems quite appropriate. This year's
topics, Kinetics and Gas Laws is basic review from the experiments that I have already
oversaw within the class (speaking of which, I have a Chem midterm tomorrow, yikes!).
However, reading upon a few of the past tests, I came across unfamiliar questions. Now
this is something that I have an interest in. "Chem Lab" will without a doubt give me an
unprecedented chemistry challenge that I am willing to accept. For the second lab event, I
would love to try "Experimental Design." By having freedom in how to conduct the
experiment, I am sure that I will be able to think outside the box, adding a unique take
and a unique standpoint from the other competitors. Also, writing lab reports are not
uncommon for me as I am taking AP Biology and AP Chemistry. I think that I am a good
fit for these types of lab events.
There is no escaping it. Last year, I was the worst member in Science Team. I was
overrun by the events and failed to complete them. I have no one to blame except myself.
Since then, I am haunted by my mistake, my failure, and my defeat. Regardless if it
comes from my own paranoia, I still see everyone from Science Team looking down upon
me. Even my brother, Science Teams founder, appears to be a lot more distant towards
me. But most of all, I hate my own guts. I became someone who gave up on the events,
the team, my own passion, and ultimately myself. For me, it would be no understatement
to say that it is the worst thing to happen to my high school career. YetI desperately
want to change this. I do not care if I am picked last in Team C. I do not care if the
members of Science Team still hate me. Here, I am going to stand up against my own
selfishness. Regardless of the situation, I still want to join Science Team. Discovering and
researching about science-related topics brings me happiness and now truly, I say to you
from the bottom of my heart, I ask for a chance to redeem myself. I promise you, and all
of Science Team, that I will put my best efforts on the line. Thank you.