Back to Top	Shaped by Nature and Man : The Geological History of the Palisades
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? I've lived by the Hudson River, across from the Palisades, since I was four. I can see its cliffs from many places in my town, and I've sailed by them on the sloop Clearwater and a replica of Henry Hudson's ship Half Moon. I've been interested in rocks and minerals since I was really little (and have spent lots of time in the American Museum of Natural History's Hall of Gems and Minerals). Last year my earth science class went on a geological field trip that included visiting the Palisades. That was a great class and my teacher, Mr. Brownstein, encouraged me to try for the Young Naturalist Award. I guess it was a combination of all these things that made the Palisades seem like the right place for my expedition. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? I believe my generation will have to figure out what we are going to do about global warming and the deterioration of the ozone layer. 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist? My favorite scientists are my two grandfathers, Clarence F. Hiskey and Harold J. Arno, who were both chemists. They always knew the answer to any question I had and continued searching and discovering throughout their long lives. Another more famous scientist that I really like is Leonardo da Vinci. I became interested in him when I went to the Leonardo Museum in his home town of Vinci, Italy. I saw models of many of his inventions there. What really surprised me was how far ahead of his time he was in designing and thinking of such things as the bicycle and helicopter, which weren't thought of again for hundreds of years. 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? Spend as much time in nature as possible. If you find something that interests you, pursue it. 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? This spring I will be traveling to Arkansas on a mining expedition to look for low temperature quartz crystals found in sandstone. This summer I will be hiking more than 100 miles in the Wind River Wilderness in Wyoming on a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) course and then going on to see the geologic formations in parts of New Mexico and Arizona. Next year, in school, I will be studying Advanced Geology.
Back to Top	Tide Pools and the Life Within Them
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? I got my inspiration from my parents always taking me to the beach. I was born less than a mile from the ocean and it has always been a big part of my life. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? I am concerned about global warming. I believe that global warming is causing our atmosphere and weather to change from its normal patterns. We must find a way to keep ourselves from destroying our environment. 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist? My favorite writer is Caroline B. Cooney. I love to read her mystery novels which are always suspenseful and fascinating. 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? My advice to other students would be to have patience when researching a topic. Don't try to do all of your research at one time or in one place. It is important to investigate all of your research possibilities. These might include books, Web sites, museums, and people that are knowledgeable on your topic. Most importantly, pick a topic that you enjoy so that you will have fun researching and learning about it. 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? Not at the moment, but my future plans include studying to become a pediatric trauma surgeon.
Back to Top	Birding Sector 7
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? The inspiration for my essay came from both my deep interest in birds and the fact that I took this expedition recently and it was still fresh in my mind. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? Will the children of my generation be blessed with the natural resources that my generation takes for granted? 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist? My favorite author and scientist is Aldo Leopold, author of A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There and Round River : From the Journals of Aldo Leopold. Aldo Leopold is often called the father of modern ecology, a subject that interests me greatly. My favorite artist is John James Audubon, who painted all of the known birds of North America in the early 1800s. 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? Get outside. Whatever you are interested in, go out and see it in its natural state. That is what it is all about. 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? I go birding nearly every week, more often when I have the time. Next year I am trying to finalize plans for an internship at the National Aviary. I would like to study environmental sciences and ornithology at, hopefully, Cornell University or the University of Maine at Machias.
Back to Top	Tardigrades as Environmental Bio-Indicators
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? Since childhood, I have had a fascination with the world around me. I always wonder why things are the way they are. My love for science started very early in my life, and has continued to grow. When I was 11 years old, the high school biology teacher, who was a family friend, set up a microscope and showed me a culture dish with live tardigrades. They looked like miniature "teddy bears" as they somersaulted their way across the microscope viewing area. I knew immediately that I had to learn more about these creatures. Growing up on a farm, I learned the importance of caring for our environment. My independent research combines my fascination with tardigrades and my concern for the environment. For the past seven years I have been working with tardigrades as possible bio-indicators. We know that lichens, tardigrades' primary habitat, are sensitive to atmospheric contaminants and could be an inexpensive way of monitoring air pollution. But could tardigrades also be bio-indicators -- telling us something about our environment that we could change before too much damage is done? This question has always intrigued me. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? The ethics of cloning. 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist? Stephen Jay Gould 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? Science has so much to offer, even if you are young. Set your goals high and work hard to attain them! There are many people out there who would love to help or assist you with your research and you never know until you ask. Don't be afraid to ask for help and never give up! 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? I plan to major in zoology and genetics at Iowa State University next fall. I hope to work in a setting that will allow me to utilize my expertise in this field, continue the scientific analysis of environmental problems, and acquire the photographic/journalism skills so that I can communicate my work.
Back to Top	Nesting Habits of the Barn Swallow (Hirunda rustica)
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? Two years ago I examined a nest that fell out of a tree. The nest appeared to be made of mud and twigs. But on closer examination, I found a variety of man-made materials incorporated into the nest. This made me curious about barn swallow nests. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? People should learn how to make better use of our water resources. The fact that there are "water refugees" -- people relocated because of a scarcity of water -- shows that we need to find ways to use our water wisely. We also need to think of the political repercussions as well as the ecological ones. What if one nation drains a river dry before it reaches another nation? So far, there have been no wars related to water, but it is very possible. 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist? My favorite scientist is Leonardo da Vinci. Although he considered himself an engineer, he also spent time observing and studying birds' anatomy. He did this because he wanted to make a flying machine. My very favorite authors write fantasies: Lewis Carroll, T.H. White, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Jostein Gaarder. But I also read realistic fiction and enjoy the work of Elizabeth Enright and Mark Twain. My favorite artists are Vincent Van Gogh and Jan Vermeer. 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? My advice is to spend more time outdoors, ask questions, and read widely. 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? My goals are to be more observant when I am outdoors and to read Rachel Carson and other science writers. Also, I want to get a telescoping camera and do more nature photography.
Back to Top	Bog Trotting
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? I got the inspiration for my project from my science mentor, Catherine Fisher. She suggested it and I thought it was a good idea. The Lee Hill Bog is very close to my house. The bog is right behind the town library. It is a very interesting place, but not too many people know much about it. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? What is going to happen to the environment? And what's going to happen when fossil fuels are gone? 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist? Jane Goodall, Catherine Fisher (my science mentor), and my dad. 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? Always ask, "Why?" Also, the best way to learn something is to go out and be a part of it. 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? I would like to know more about the way animals think and communicate, especially my two Boxers.
Back to Top	A Day at the (Barrier) Beach : My Expedition to Sandy Hook
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? I have always been interested in marine biology and Sandy Hook is one of the closest beaches to my house. When I am at the beach, I like to scavenge for sea life, such as crabs, jellyfish, or clams, while my brothers are out on their boogie boards. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? I think that how we respond to the issue of genetic engineering will have a long-lasting effect on my generation and other generations to come. 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer or artist? My favorite writer is Alan Paton, the author of Cry, the Beloved Country, which explores South Africa's racial struggles. 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? I find that if I am only focused on reaching a particular goal, I don't take the time to reflect or be creative. I like to stare at my fish, play with my parrot, or experiment with microworms. It takes time to observe the nature around you. 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? Yes, I plan to go to the Amazon Jungle to study macaws. Currently, I am studying the genetics of bettas, a species of tropical fish, by conducting a breeding program (in my bedroom). I have over 200 fish in 105 gallons of aquarium water.
Back to Top	How do Humans and Plants Interact in Tidal Wetlands?
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? This expedition was part of a school field trip to Delaware Bay. Studying the diverse range of plant life at the marsh and learning about the threat of invasive plants sparked my interest, and I decided to continue my research upon returning. I believe that this essay was an ideal continuation to my field observations and research, and an appropriate way to address my concerns for the future of our wetland habitats. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? The most pressing question in my mind has to do with the ethical effects of our generation's technological advances. Take for example, the deciphering of the human genome. While the end result could be beneficial in diagnosing disease genes, the questions of moral consequences are also raised. If this technology fell into the wrong hands, could human beings be reduced to a mere series of amino acids, losing all sense of independence and individuality? Although these issues may currently seem insignificant in the excitement of these recent breakthroughs, I believe that we should address them now, before it is too late to take action. 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist? Marie Curie is probably one of my favorite scientists. Her achievements in the fields of radioactivity and physics broke down gender barriers in the science world, helping to create a role for women in science. 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? I would advise other young scientists and writers to always pursue their dreams and interests. In order to achieve their goals, they should continue to persevere through any adversity that hinders their progress. We are the generation of the future, and without determination and persistence we will never be able to succeed in making our world a better place for all humanity. 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? In the future, I would like to pursue a career in biotechnology, concentrating on the field of genetic engineering and research. I hope to develop new treatments for diabetes, and perhaps even aid in finding a cure.
Back to Top	An Essential Mineral
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? When I went to Israel I was fascinated by the Dead Sea, so that's what inspired me to write this. Also, no one ever thinks of salt as anything more than something that makes your eggs taste better. I wanted to learn more about salt. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? How do we protect endangered animals is probably the most pressing scientific question of my generation. 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist? My favorite writer is Caroline B. Cooney, because all of her books have different themes. Some of them are mysteries, while others are drama, and others are thrillers. 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? Even when you are having a tough time with something, and are very frustrated, don't give up. You can always work though something that is giving you difficulty. 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? My family and I are hoping to go out West to visit the National Parks and the Grand Canyon.
Back to Top	First Flights: Fledgling Bald Eagles in Southeast Alaska
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? I worked last summer as a field assistant for Angie Hodgson of the Wildlife Conservation Society, studying the bald eagle population of the Chilkat Valley. During my work for this study, I observed the development of the year's eagle chicks from the beginning of incubation until near the time they would leave the nest. However, most of the fieldwork ended just as the exciting period of fledging was beginning, so I asked Angie to help me design my own study to observe this time. Using equipment lent to me by Angie and benefiting from her advice and help, I observed four eaglets in two nests for ten weeks. All four eaglets fledged during this period, and I collected interesting data before and after the eaglets left their nests. I wanted to share some of my results and conclusions with others, and thought the Young Naturalist Awards an excellent forum for achieving this goal. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? Along with global warming, genetic engineering, cloning and many others, one of the most pressing scientific questions of my generation is the accelerating loss of the world's biodiversity. In his excellent book, The Diversity of Life, Edward O. Wilson conservatively estimates that rainforests alone lose 27,000 species each year, or three species every hour. Dr. Wilson also states, "a fifth or more of the species of plants and animals could vanish or be doomed to early extinction by the year 2020 unless better efforts are made to save them." In the year 2020, I will be 35 years old. These numbers -- one fifth of species, three per hour -- may seem abstract but in fact are very immediate to us all. Looking at a photo of a Siberian tiger, I think, "No -- not this one, it can't disappear forever." At once, it is like the death of a friend, no longer the death of a stranger. As I work in field biology, I feel a duty to provide this connection for others, to help someone else to realize that these are not just "species going extinct," but these are blue whales, mountain gorillas, and harpy eagles -- magnificent creatures that our children may never see. 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist? Angie Hodgson, research associate at the Wildlife Conservation Society, and Dr. William Weber, Director of the North America Program at the Widlife Conservation Society, have both been incredibly responsive and kind in giving me invaluable opportunities and learning experiences. I also very much admire George B. Schaller, Edward O. Wilson, Aldo Leopold, and Rachel Carson, who have all contributed in their different ways to deepening the knowledge of and protecting the natural world. My favorite authors include David Quammen (The Song of the Dodo), Edward Abbey (Desert Solitaire), and Sigurd F. Olson (The Singing Wilderness). 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? I would tell other young scientists and writers simply to do science and write. The earlier you begin honing your skills as a scientist and writer, the more able and experienced you will be when faced with the challenges and difficult decisions that our generation will undoubtedly encounter. Remember that you are a scientist and writer now -- you may have less experience than older scientists and writers, but your observations are just as valid. 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? This summer (2001), I will be working for a Wildlife Conservation Society field study in Northern California. When I begin college at Harvard this fall, I plan to study environmental biology. I will use my education to contribute to the world's understanding of wildlife, as in the words of Senegalese ecologist Baba Dioum, written on the tunnel leading to the entrance to the Bronx Zoo, "In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught."
Back to Top	Investigating Vegetation and Small Mammals in the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area of the Bighorn Mountains in Wyoming
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? The impetus for my expedition was provided by my earth science teacher, Dr. Thomas Arnold, who organizes biennial summer research expeditions for interested students in his advanced earth science classes at State College Area High School. To provide a broader scientific and cultural perspective, he collaborates with Mr. George Meldrum, a geography teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland. The site of the joint American-Scottish 2000 Research Expedition was the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area in the Big Horn Mountains, a relatively pristine area that was the site of a 1988 burn event. Because of my interest in the biological as well as the earth sciences, I decided to study the vegetation and small mammals located in the riparian zone of Oliver Creek, a region that consists of meadowland, mature forest, and recovering burn area. I submitted my essay to the Museum in part because I wanted to share with others the joys and excitement that I experienced while conducting field work and to encourage others to go out and discover more about the natural world so that they in turn would be active in helping to maintain the integrity of natural areas. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? My generation, more than any other previous generation, has to deal with the consequences of environmental pollution and must find ways to ensure that this planet we call home remains habitable for future generations. We can no longer continue to destroy natural habitats, contaminate and deplete the limited fresh water supply, and throw fossil fuel-based emissions into the atmosphere in the name of human progress. We must utilize both our scientific knowledge and our common sense to properly take care of the Earth. 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist? Although I do not have one particular favorite scientist, I do admire the work of Alfred Wegener and Barbara McClintock. Both scientists encountered difficulties in getting their work accepted -- when their ideas were finally acknowledged as being correct, they produced far-reaching consequences in the fields of plate tectonics and genetics respectively. These scientists have taught me the importance of persevering in the face of obstacles and letting your work speak for itself. 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? Young scientists should try to find out as much as possible about the many interesting and diverse fields of scientific study by taking classes, participating in workshops and competitions, going on field trips, and talking to scientists. There are so many fascinating things to discover and questions to ponder that perhaps the greatest challenge for a young scientist is to determine in which area to focus one's efforts. Also, since a strong knowledge of mathematics is fundamental to understanding the processes in science, young scientists should not neglect their math courses. 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? I hope to go on additional expeditions, including ones on water as well as land. Currently, I am continuing to analyze the data that I obtained on my expedition; I would like to return to Wyoming to do some follow-up studies. Because of my interest in geology, I hope to some day engage in studies of a volcano and a mid-ocean ridge. After completing high school, I plan to go to college and major in science so that I can continue to engage in scientific research.
Back to Top	Exploring a Woodlot's Ecosystem
	1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay? My parents and my high school biology teacher, Mr. Dullinger, all inspired me to go on my expedition and write my essay. My parents instilled their love of nature in me by sharing their appreciation for the outdoors. Through many walks in our backyard, my dad taught me how to identify all the wildlife and plant life that inhabit our area. Mr. Dullinger's enthusiasm for biology inspired me to further research the area of ecology. This included my in-depth study of the relationships between and among the living and nonliving components of my backyard. 2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation? The most pressing question of my generation is how people can conserve and preserve the Earth's natural resources for future generations to enjoy. I believe that mankind needs to find alternative fuels to supplement the continuing depletion of our fossil fuel supply. I also feel humanity must be more mindful of how their daily life and recreational habits affect the world's ecosystem. 3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist? My favorite author, Daphne du Maurier, delights me with the writing style in her novel, Rebecca. I enjoy the mystery and suspense she incorporates into her plot. Wildlife artist, Carl Brenders, continually stands out in my mind as my favorite artist. His extraordinary artistic talent allows him to bring his subjects to life in their environment. At the same time, he brings his viewers face to face with wildlife like no other artist I have seen. 4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers? I believe it is very important for young writers and scientists to be inquisitive, keep an open mind, and search for the truth. They must realize that there is no such thing as a "dumb question," and they should not be afraid to ask about, research, and explore the unknown. Young writers and scientists should strive to do their very best work. 5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study? I plan to do an in-depth study of the great horned owls that live in my area. I had the chance recently to observe the "grieving process" of a great horned owl mother. Unfortunately, her owlet died from an unknown cause and the mother owl appeared to mourn her baby's death by carrying its small lifeless body in her talons for an entire day. The love and care she exhibited toward her baby touched me. This experience makes me want to learn more about the great horned owls' habits and ability to survive in their ecosystem. I would love to build an elevated blind in order to photograph their eating and nesting habits and observe more closely the care they provide for their young.