1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   My backyard has always been a part of my life. When I was younger, it was my playground. Now, it is a place for me to gather my thoughts and clear my mind. Naturally, I began to observe the abundance of life in this seemingly calm environment. In the spring, I noticed that the buds and leaves of our hosta plants were disappearing faster than they could grow. Simply out of curiosity, I convinced my father to postpone resorting to pesticides so that I could investigate the situation and hopefully find a more environmentally friendly solution. After much observation, I determined that pillbugs were eating the hosta plants. It was not until I had completed my experiment that I heard about the Young Naturalist Awards from my teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Fry, and decided to submit my work.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   As technology advances, it becomes increasingly important for us to ask, "What can we do to preserve the environment?" Current economic development often sacrifices environmental purity for shortsighted gain. The widespread use of pesticides is especially of concern in my area, with much of my state depending on agriculture as a way of life. Chemicals used on crops eventually end up in the Arkansas River, which runs through my city.

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist?
   I really admire James Watson for his efforts toward discovering the DNA double helix. His work has thrown open the door for a flood of new advances in genetics. This past summer, I studied at the University of Cambridge in England and was able to visit Cavendish Laboratory, where Watson conducted his research. I also enjoyed his personal account, The Double Helix, in which he details how he and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA. I find Watson inspiring in that he succeeded not due to his intellectual genius but due to his dedication and teamwork.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   Don't always overlook the small things in life. As with pillbugs, I have learned that even creatures as small as these can point the way to new methods of environmental conservation. In fact, I was surprised and delighted to see that the April 2002 issue of Scientific American included a study on pillbug lifestyles. We don't have to trek to exotic places to conduct a worthwhile investigation. Scientific questions can come from the least likely of places, including (literally) one's own backyard.

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   This coming summer, I will spend six weeks in a research apprenticeship in the biological sciences at Cornell University. I hope to conduct investigations in molecular biology. Currently, I am writing my International Baccalaureate Extended Essay on evolution's impact on science education. I am excited to be under the advisement of Nathan Pike from the University of Cambridge. Next year, in school, I will be studying IB Higher Level Biology.

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   I got the inspiration for my expedition and essay from all the years I have been going to my uncle's house in Vermont. My uncle's river has always been a place that I can go and watch animals in their natural habitat. I would spend hours by the river collecting all kinds of frogs, newts, and salamanders. We also tried to catch the many kinds of young fish in the river. I've always been interested in watching these organisms and seeing how they have an effect on each other. I've always wondered what kind of effect man could have on these organisms.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   The most pressing scientific question of my generation would have to be the effects global warming have on the earth. I even saw the effects that increased radiation from the sun could possibly have on the deformities in frogs. If this increased radiation from the sun and the warming of the earth effects frogs in this way, what effect does it have on humans living on this earth?

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer or artist?
   My favorite scientist would be Rachel Carson. She has written so much about the effects of chemicals on our environment. She clearly has shown that chemicals in the environment can hurt animals.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   My advice is to study a topic that really interests you. It should also be something that you can easily observe in order to record data. It would be nice to research a topic that definitely would have an effect on today's world.

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   Yes. Since I always go to Vermont in the summer to visit my uncle, I will continue to look for frogs with deformities in his river. Because of my research, I now know where to go to report any deformities in frogs that I may see.

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   I have always loved nature and wondered how things work. When I was in the fourth and fifth grades, I took an interest in the environment. I was concerned that humans weren't doing enough to prevent the destruction of the earth. Therefore, in sixth grade I did a scientific experiment to see how acid rain would affect agriculture. It was a simple experiment, but it soon became more. The following year I decided to expand my research and focused on water pollution and fertilizer run-off. This is when I became familiar with Daphnia magna and their purpose in science. I used Daphnia magna in my research because they have been used in previous toxicity tests. Through all of this time, my interest in science explorations has grown.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   There are several pressing questions, specifically, the ethics of cloning and stem cell research. I also think that within the next few years there will be more questions concerning the environment; including the issues surrounding fossil fuels and global warming.

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist?
   My favorite writer would have to be Patricia Cornwell. She writes books on forensics and crime scene investigation. My favorite artist would be Pablo Picasso because he didn't paint what everyone saw. He painted in his own unique way. Finally, my favorite scientists would have to be Rachel Carson and Jane Goodall. Carson went out of her way to protect the environment; because of her, we have bald eagles today. Goodall has shown people that animals are just as important as people. They communicate, groom, and learn.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   Set goals for yourself. They always help you prepare for when you may hit a "bump" in the road. Also, never let anyone talk you out of doing your best. You'll find that those who succeed in life are the ones who always did their best no matter what anyone said.

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   I plan on furthering my research on water pollution and how it affects other animals in the food chain. In addition, I want to do some more research concerning the growth I found on my Daphnia magna. In my future, I would like to pursue a career in forensic science and/or in journalism.

1. Last year you also won a Young Naturalist Award. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay this year?
   Ever since I found a fossilized seashell in my backyard I have been interested in the sea that once covered New Mexico. When my parents told me about a trail they hiked where they found seashells I decided that I wanted to pursue this topic.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   Water shortages create problems not only for humans, but also for the environment around us. Plants, fish, and wildlife that depend on a steady supply of water are all affected by water shortages. The water we do have that is not wasted is often polluted and cannot be used. We need to find a way to preserve our supply of water without damaging it.

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist?
   Leonardo da Vinci is my favorite scientist and one of my favorite artists. Another artist I like is Vincent Van Gogh. As for writers, I really like J. R. R. Tolkien, Annie Dillard, and Gerald Durrell. Gerald Durrell is a self-trained naturalist who spent many years collecting animals for zoos. He wrote many books about his expeditions including: My Family and Other Animals, A Zoo in My Luggage, and How to Shoot an Amateur Naturalist.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   Get outside and observe the world; then draw, photograph, or write about what you see.

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   Sometime in the next couple of years I would like to climb Pikes Peak in Colorado. I found an antique guide to Pikes Peak that was published in 1916, and I am interested to see Pikes Peak for myself. I would like to take the old guide and a new guide to see how Pikes Peak has changed.

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   As a prerequisite for my AP Environmental class, I had to find, read, and summarize 20 articles having to do with the environment. One article dealt with the problem of non-native, invasive plants. It reminded me of the invasive plant, kudzu, which I had seen as a child. I felt that the Young Naturalist contest provided me the perfect platform to explore the problem of invasive plants, first hand, in my own yard.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   I feel pollution is the most critical problem facing my generation. If we cannot sustain clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and non-toxic plants, animals and fish to eat, all other problems are surely secondary.

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer or artist?
   In contrast to my interest in science, which often dictates precision with its mathematical equations and chemical compositions, I enjoy the art of Jackson Pollock. As an abstract expressionist, his drip paintings and portable murals express a spontaneity that I find exciting and beautiful.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   Read as much as you can. I find current scientific articles the most interesting because they present new advances, as well as, pose current problems and challenges for me to think about. I believe the future success of science will rely heavily on the exchange of information. Scientists from around the world can then work together for the betterment of all mankind.

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   I would like to explore the Long Island aquifer system. The effects of our current drought and possible contamination by the use of pesticides and fertilizers are of special interest to me. Since this aquifer is the main source of water for Nassau and Suffolk counties, keeping the fresh water clean and plentiful is essential to the future of my home here on Long Island.

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   While attending the Lang Science Team program in 2001, one of the requirements was to complete the Young Naturalist project. Ever since I was young, I was curious about turtles. Dave Karrman, a herpetologist who inspired me, pointed out the wonderful experiences I would gain by conducting an expedition on turtles' basking behavior. Bobby Habbig, program coordinator of the Lang Science Team, stood by me and encouraged me to complete my project when I felt like giving up, which also inspired me.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   I think my generation will have to carry on the responsibility of resolving the mystery on whether there is life outside of Earth.

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist?
   My favorite writer is Agatha Christie, author of And Then There Were None. Her ability to blindfold readers and lead them to misconceptions of characterization throughout the book, kept me reading until the mystery was resolved.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   The world out there is large and full of surprises. It is our responsibility to make the best of it even if it takes an extra mile. We must not waste any time or allow time to fly by without noticing. We must realize we are tomorrow's future and it is depending on us. The door to success will always be open to welcome all who believe, and it can be you!

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   This summer, I am planning to study birds. This however, is not a definite decision. I have many interests and want to pursue them all. I'm definitely sure I will conduct another expedition this summer.

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   I got my inspiration from my parents because they used to take my brother and I down to Salmon Creek and we used to swim in the water and catch crawdads. Also, my brother and I always go for long walks in the forest and find new things like plants, and animals. I love to explore what Mother Nature has in store for us.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   I think the most pressing question of my generation is the mapping of the human genome because it can help us find cures to many different diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurological illnesses.

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist?
   My favorite writer is Ben Mikaelsen. He has written many books like Petey and Stranded. Most of his books are about kids that go off in to a forest or a bay and they have to survive on what they know how to do when there is no help around. He writes many adventure stories that are very fascinating to me.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   If you are a young scientist and writer I think you should write on a topic that is special to you or on something that you know about or remember from your childhood. Also, ask a lot of questions about what you are researching so you can get all the information required and ask different people if they have stories about your topic. You should always explore things and find out what is beyond the corner.

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   I do not have any plans at the moment, but I am very adventurous so I plan on doing some things like exploring nature and other scientific study around my house.

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   I have been studying the Pacific golden plover for five years. Two years ago, in 2000, my mentor, Mr. Phil Bruner, and his wife, Andrea, invited me to go with them to Nome, Alaska, to observe the plover in its breeding grounds. I jumped at the chance to travel to Nome that summer, where I conducted my 2001 and 2002 Science Fair projects. The trip was not intended for the sole purpose of this contest, but to broaden my horizons and study of this species. Yet, I thought this was a superb expedition topic for an essay.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   Since I study the plover, whose natural breeding grounds are in Alaska, I have an emotional connection with these birds and their habitat. This habitat is constantly being threatened by Congress and propositions of oil drilling in the tundra. If these drillings are to occur, many native species will eventually perish, not only the plovers, but also those who inhabit the area yearly, such as foxes, muskoxen, and reindeer. Yet, if these drillings are halted, what will happen when the world's fossil fuel banks are depleted? Therefore, the question is, how can we mold together economic policies and scientific evidence?

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist?
   My favorite scientist is Charles Darwin, who was a British naturalist. He was a reserved, thorough, hard working scholar who concerned himself with the feelings and emotions not only of his family, but friends and peers as well. He continued to face opposition to his works, such as the On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life (1859), for the rest of his life. After the publication of On the Origin of Species, Charles Darwin continued to write on botany, geology, and zoology. He avoided talking about the theological and sociological aspects of his work, but other writers continue to use his theories to support their own theories about society. He never recanted any of his scientific views and always stood true to his beliefs. My favorite author is John Steinbeck. His books are very interesting because they deal with the human spirit. He wrote about what life was like for Americans in the Great Depression and times when hope is the single strand of what keeps those people persevering and striving for their elusive goal of riches and fortune. Ever since I read Vincent Van Gogh's biography, Lust for Life, by Irving Stone, Van Gogh has been my favorite artist. After reading that book, I now understand his paintings because they are reflections of his life, and his episodes of sporadic emotions.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   Enjoy the process. No matter what, have fun with whatever you do. If you are not interested in the topic, you will never realize the full potential of the subject. It is not about competition, what topic is more interesting to a panel of judges, or who is going to win first place in a science fair. It's about YOU liking YOUR project, and nothing else should matter.

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   I am going to continue my research on the Pacific golden plover for at least the last two years of high school. I am planning on returning to Nome, Alaska next summer (2003), and continue my research on their habitats. For now, I am just going to base my studies in Hawai'i, and enjoy the plovers in paradise.

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   Both of my parents are biologists, and they were my initial inspiration. My brother and I had the very unique opportunity of spending seven summers of our childhood in a remote area of the Alaskan coast, where my father was conducting research on various species of birds. While at this site, called Cape Espenberg, I developed an interest in not only birds, but the foxes in the area as well. I decided I wanted to explore the behavior of these sly mammals, and my parents helped me with everything. I suppose the greatest inspiration was the fox himself (affectionately named Scrawny).

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   I think cloning technology that's quickly developing is a very pressing issue. With this technology, we are, in my mind, pressing the outer limits of what is morally correct in science. I believe that human society as a whole needs to use much forethought before delving into such tricky waters, and we need to approach new knowledge on the subject of cloning with care. Once something like this has been discovered, there is no turning back. Therefore, we shouldn't strive to discover more than we really want to (or should) know. The big question is, can we really clone whole humans? I believe the answer is yes. But should we? Then again, can we stop ourselves?

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist?
   I have several favorite writers, including Joseph Heller (Catch 22), Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid's Tale), and Rachael Carson (Silent Spring). I admire the humor, originality, and emotion portrayed by these authors. My favorite artist is Monet. I love the way his paintings appear as blobs of various colors of paint up close, but when you step back and look from a distance, a beautiful picture emerges.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   My best advice would be to pursue any interest you have to the fullest. Whatever you are interested in, be it marine life, microbes, or birds, you are bound to find others who are equally interested and with whom you can share your love. Take full advantage of all opportunities and seek out new opportunities. ASK QUESTIONS! It is through asking question that things are discovered! As for writers, I would suggest that when you feel inspired, stop what you are doing and write down your idea! It could become the next New York Times bestseller!

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   I plan to attend Stanford University, which has given me a $3,000 scholarship for personal research. What I will research is still to be decided, but I am extremely interested in the land, wildlife, and culture of Australia; perhaps I will go to Australia for my next expedition!

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   The ever-increasing price of fuelling up my car, as well as a class assignment focusing on different aspects of the cow, provided great inspiration for my essay and expedition.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   The ethical implications and limits of genetic engineering and cloning must be one of the most pressing scientific dilemmas of our generation. Impending breakthroughs in this field will give rise to many ethical dilemmas as to who is given access to subsequent information, the specific purposes of the given methods, etc. Some of the most consequential decisions we, as humans, have ever been faced with are yet to be made concerning the directions we take in order to best deal with this powerful scientific progression.

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist?
   My favorite writer is Robertson Davies: a novelist, a playwright, a literary critic and an essayist. He was born in 1913 in a small town in Ontario, Canada. He was educated at Queen's University (which is in my city!) and at Balliol College, Oxford. Davies has achieved international recognition as a writer of fiction, and he seems to have been particularly drawn to trilogies: The Salterton Trilogy, The Deptford Trilogy, and The Cornish Trilogy. I specifically enjoy his writing because his main characters are always intelligent, curious, and interesting. Beware, however, because once you open a book of his, closing it before you finish will be nearly impossible! His work has not been limited only by the trilogy format; he has also written various essays, plays, and traditional novels. Shortly after reading Fifth Business, the first book in his Deptford Trilogy, I couldn't wait to begin the second book of the trilogy: The Manticore. Davies' skillful writing is more than entertainment - it encourages one to aspire to something higher and meaningful in life.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   Never hesitate to seek advice from more experienced people. Personally, I find helping someone a most fulfilling experience and, more than likely, you'll find that other people feel the same way. If you plan to do an experiment as part of your expedition, never underestimate the value of critical research and careful planning before commencing with the actual procedure. This saves a lot of trouble during the experiment, and significantly increases the accuracy and validity of your results.

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   I am planning a trip to Australia this summer, where I hope to carry out an ecological expedition, studying certain organisms and their niches in the Daintree forest. I'm very excited about the prospect, but I haven't yet narrowed down a specific area of investigation.

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   When I was walking along the beach in Port Townsend, Washington I noticed a bunch of rocks that looked totally different from the rocks that I see on the beaches in New York. After I stopped and determined that the rocks were metamorphic, I wanted to know what made these metamorphic rocks different from the metamorphic rocks found in New York.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   What steps can be taken to produce a cure for HIV?

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist?
   My favorite writers are Frank Herbert and Brian Herbert of the Dune series. My favorite artist is Leroy Campbell.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   My advice to any young scientist is to pursue their dreams to the fullest of their abilities. Stay open to other ideas, because eventually all the knowledge you obtain will make you more versatile in the career of your choice.

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   I would like to go on a paleontological expedition to excavate dinosaur fossils. In terms of continuing my scientific study, I would like to conduct a full chemical analysis of my rocks.

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   I was inspired to explore the Lava River Cave because I enjoy caves and to explore what is underground. I also had a teacher, Mrs. Magish, who encouraged me to enter Young Naturalist Awards. I had visited the lava cave previously when I was very young, but I can't recall much of the expedition. I wanted to come back to the lava cave to explore it for myself and to let others know what lies in the San Francisco Peaks.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   I think global warming is the most pressing scientific question of my generation. I definitely think my generation will be faced with the difficulty of dealing with this problem, and the magnitude of impact it has on everyone in the world.

3. Who is your favorite scientist or writer?
   My favorite scientist would have to be Galileo or Nicholas Copernicus. Both dealt with the issues of science conflicting with religion during their lifetime, and I believe that is one of the hardest things to deal with. They discovered things about your world and looked at the big picture. They also, like all scientists, affected our way of thinking about our world. My favorite author is Orson Scott Card, author of the science fiction novel, Ender's Game.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   My advice for others is to never lose the interest and love for learning. Don't ever lose the self-motivation to want to discover and learn. Learning isn't always about what you find in textbooks. You can also learn by going outside to the world around you and exploring new things.

5. Do you have any plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   Not at the moment. Later in my life, I want to become a structural engineer or an architect. But I continue to learn and explore everyday, because you can never stop learning.

1. Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
   The inspiration for this project came from my mentor, Dr. Don Hemmes. He always is going out and collecting and cataloging fungi from the islands. He brings back many interesting and exotic fungi from his expeditions and seeing all of these inspired me to go out and find my own. When I got the post card advertising the Young Naturalists Awards, I decided to go out and conduct my own expedition. One of the areas my mentor collects from is near where I live, so I decided to check it out. It was a great adventure and I was able to write my essay.

2. What do you consider the most pressing scientific question of your generation?
   The most pressing scientific question of our time is to come up with an environmentally friendly, renewable energy source. The world will run out of fossil fuels, it is just a question of when. When this time comes upon us, we need to be ready with an energy source that will not run out. This energy source will also need to be environmentally friendly as we will need to make up for the years of poisoning our planet with toxic fossil fuel by-products. Developing this technology should be considered the key goal of our generation, as it will ensure our survival on a crowded planet.

3. Who is your favorite scientist, writer, or artist?
   My mentor, Dr. Hemmes from the University of Hawai'i at Hilo has kindled my dreams and pursuits in the obscure field of mycology. He has shown me much more than how to culture, catalog, and understand fungi, he has shown me what a scientist should really be like. Although frequently offered many great opportunities that would pay more than his current position, he has humbly turned them down. Dr. Hemmes understands that to spread his knowledge and love for science, he must invoke enthusiasm, curiosity, and creativity in others. The only way he can do this is by teaching. He has continued to teach at the university as well as give many lectures and talks around the community about fungi. Two years ago I asked Dr. Hemmes if he could be my mentor for science fair, he immediately said yes and was very enthusiastic to help a little 8th grader with his science project. He has since become a true friend and role model, inspiring me to achieve my goals in science and in life.

4. Do you have any advice for other young scientists and writers?
   My advice to other young scientists and writers is to pursue what interests you. When you can focus your energy and time in one area, you can accomplish great things for yourself as well as others. Also, you should not be afraid to interest other students and adults in your pursuits. People crave knowledge, why not give them some?

5. Do you have plans for additional expeditions and scientific study?
   This summer I am going to be working as a volunteer for the Youth Conservation Corps. helping to improve the environment of Hawai'i. Next year I plan to continue my research of Hawaiian fungi, studying the potential medical applications of these uncharted species. I plan to continue my participation in my schools science bowl and math league teams, and to pursue a degree in science.

Copyright © 2002 American Museum of Natural History.