Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
I have lived around saguaro cactus all my life here in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona. Like most people, I knew a lot of generalities about the cactus and how they survive in the desert environment. I decided to use this science project as an opportunity to go beyond what is obvious about the saguaro to discover new information through questioning and observations.

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
Seeing that our Earth's resources are depleting at an astonishing rate. I think the idea that some day human beings may have to take resources from or actually live on other planets is an interesting thought. In order for us to do this, we will have to invent ways to keep our oxygen level up and create technology which would allow many of us to travel that far as well as to discover ideas to possibly bring these other resources to Earth.

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
My long-term goal is to be an engineer, possibly specializing in architecture. I am very interested in the mechanics of building things and how things work.

What advice would you give other young scientists?
I would tell them to go beyond, delve deep, and look past the obvious.

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
Two things inspired my essay: First, during recent visits to Lake Oscawana, I noticed signs that said: "Watershed Area, please protect the lake". I wanted to know why the lake needed protection and what it needed protection from. My second inspiration came from stories my mom told me about how the lake was used when she was younger. Many of those practices such as bathing in the lake and drinking the water are no longer done, and I was curious as to why.

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
I think one of the most important scientific issues of my generation is preserving the environment. Everyone needs fresh air and clean water to live a healthy life. Preserving the environment should be a higher priority in all of our lives.

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
My family has enjoyed Lake Oscawana for generations, and I'd like to see my children have the same pleasure. I also plan to continue my studies and hope to find even more ways to preserve the lake.

What advice would you give other young scientists?
The advice I would give to other young scientists is to not give up when you encounter a problem. Keep on trying, and you will eventually succeed.

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
I got my inspiration for my project from enjoying the outdoors and by exploring new places in southwest Washington. I love to examine nearby streams and forests to see what kind of plants and animals live in that ecosystem. I also look to see how they differ from the ones I have already visited. From loving the outdoors I started to wonder what the basic needs of salmon are. With this question I started my research.

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
The most pressing scientific issue of my generation is stem cell research because now scientists are using cells from mice to try to make human organs, tissue, and other things that humans can use to save their lives.

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
I do not have any plans right now, but I know for sure that I will keep exploring in new areas because I am very active and love to see what the Earth has in store for us.

What advice would you give other young scientists?
If you are a young scientist, then I think you should go outdoors and explore and investigate your neighborhood to see what kind of environment, plants, and animals your area of the world has. Also, ask all the possible questions in order to find out the true story behind your scientific problem. Interview people who might know about the scientific question that you are asking and do something that interests you. Also, enjoy what you are researching and do not do something that you won't have fun with.

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
I've noticed that people dislike worms. Nevertheless, people do not realize that earthworms are just small living beings that cannot harm us but instead benefit us in many ways. I told my teacher that I disagree with peoples' negative viewpoints of earthworms and that I don't understand why a creature so small, helpful, and yet unnoticeable, can be so disliked. As a result, he urged me to conduct research that will provide me with the adequate amount of information to help me convince people of how beneficial the earthworm is.

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
Cloning and deforestation are two situations I find to be the two pressing issues of our generation. People every day are trying to find new ways to improve lives and are trying to discover new things, but they are not looking at what the consequences might be and how children's lives may be affected in the future. It is reasonable to seek answers through research; however, I believe that cloning is unnecessary, unjustifiable, and is an unethical act.

Deforestation is another pressing issue. As time passes and as human population growth increases, there is an increase of demands upon natural resources. People need to take actions that can prevent the extinction of many forms of plant and animal life. I feel that we need to start finding alternatives method in order for us to save the little amount of trees we have left and not destroy the forest homes of millions of animals.

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
I've found an easier ways to look for worms, so I would like to expand my research further not only in Prospect Park but also in other parks. I am also planning to investigate seashells.

What advice would you give other young scientists?
My advice to other young scientists is to never underestimate something by its looks; or, as they say, "judge a book by its cover". Worms sure aren't attractive but they are useful. Also, you should follow your dreams and have patience for certain things because in the end, the work will surely pay off.

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
My honors biology teacher assigned my class to pick a topic to make a field observation as an independent study. She wanted our class to enter the Young Naturalist Project. I had watched a program on television about hikers getting lost in the woods and was curious whether someone could survive in the woods by eating mushrooms and plants. I then read about how the Commonwealth of Massachusetts dedicated 13,660 acres of land as the state's first bioreserve. In order to introduce people to the bioreserve, there was a walk scheduled by the education coordinator for the Westport River Watershed. After I attended the walk, I decided this location would be a great place to see if I could identify enough edible plants and mushrooms that could be used for human survival.

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
With the threat of the genetically engineered smallpox and other biological agents being used as weapons, the scientific community must take action. These agents, in the hands of terrorists, could have the most devastating effect our world has ever seen. However, the real issue is how do we prevent the spread of a new epidemic that may be resistant to vaccination? Are we prepared to contain an outbreak before it ravages a country and possibly our civilization?

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
I don't have plans for future expeditions at the moment. However, this summer I am going to work for the City of Fall River, Massachusetts Board of Health Department as a volunteer intern. I hope to learn more about diseases in my community, and how a municipality can prevent the spread of such diseases.

What advice would you give other young scientists?
I would advise young scientists to take a leading role in their community. The younger generation could give a new perspective to scientific inquiries that are in the process of investigation. I would also encourage young scientists to research the questions they have and go out into the field to apply what they've learned at school and what they've read.

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
I have always been fascinated by aquatic life, especially the tropical fish in my own home, so the aquarium was a natural choice for me. My aquarium has been an ongoing hobby, and, in over three years time, it has expanded from a humble 5-gallon tank with three fish to a 29-gallon community. The Young Naturalist Expedition was a perfect opportunity for me to combine my interests in fish keeping, science, and art while enjoying every minute of my project. I found that aquaria are common in many homes and classrooms, but people often overlook the biology, ecology, and chemistry that influence their pets. I wanted to emphasize the science as well as the details of each organism—how many fish keepers notice the mouthparts of a snail, count the leaves on a plant stalk, or wonder how their fish claim territory?

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
I believe that conservation—environmental and biological—is the most pressing issue for my generation. While we improve technology, explore space, and manipulate our genetic code, we cannot forget the existing ecosystems on Earth. Every time we lose a species, we can never know what it could have contributed to science, medicine, or agriculture. I see the rewards of local conservation in the parks and streams of my community, where it is clear that each person can contribute something to help a global cause.

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
This spring, I had the opportunity to swim with Florida manatees on the Crystal River. It was an amazing experience that led me to appreciate these endangered animals and their fragile habitat. With photographs, drawings, and background research for my field journal, I plan to focus my next expedition on the manatees and their environment. I also hope to learn more about conservation efforts, since manatees are threatened by careless human activity in Florida waterways.

What advice would you give other young scientists?
It is definitely important to have a passion for your field and a strong interest in your subject. No matter what your topic, it is amazing how much you can accomplish when you are eager to learn. If you love what you are doing, the enthusiasm and effort will show in your final project, and your work will be meaningful along the way.

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
I do scientific research because I feel that environmental health is a very pressing issue in our world today, and if I can do my part to help I will do so wholeheartedly to the best of my ability. Of course I cannot do this alone. I would not be where I am with my science project today if it were not for my teacher, and my parents. Inspiration comes especially from my science teacher, Mr. King, who is always pushing me to further my research and is constantly asking me new questions that improve my project. My inspiration also comes from my desire to succeed and always do the best that I can in whatever I attempt. I am also constantly pushing myself to do more, explore further, and try harder.

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
The most pressing scientific issue is obviously the environment. There are two main issues concerning our environment that must be addressed and solved in the near future. These two issues are pollution and population growth.

The first and most important of the two issues is pollution. Without clean water to drink society is doomed. Rural India is currently facing this problem, where there are extremely high levels of arsenic contaminating drinking water, which has the potential for killing thousands. This has rendered many rural wells useless. Because of regulations, wells greater than 50 ppb are painted red and therefore not used while all others are painted green for safe use. This makes it very difficult for some communities to obtain clean water. For this society, a device to remove arsenic (such as what is being tested in my experiment) is very important. Of course other pollution-related issues must also be addressed. These include: clean air to breathe, cleaner energy, improved recycling methods, deforestation, and many others.

The second environmental issue facing our world today and in the future is population growth. With some societies growing at alarmingly high rates this is a real problem. How many people can our Earth support? What will be done to improve agricultural methods for a larger world population? These among other important questions must be answered before it's too late and the Earth is overpopulated.

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
For me scientific investigation is always ongoing, with one experiment flowing into the next. For the past two years my life has been dedicated to almost constant scientific investigation. This will continue with a trip to Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) later this year. I will also do a summer internship with the US Geological Survey on the Great Salt Lake that will continue into the next school year as a work-based learning internship.

What advice would you give other young scientists?
The best advice I can give is to keep doing science fairs or scientific research. Scientific research is not all just about getting first place or winning awards, it's about conducting good research and trying your best. When you complete a good project, you get a great feeling of accomplishment inside. Scientific research not only allows you to do the obvious (an experiment and a lab report) it allows you to become independent, create your own ideas, and be creative. When doing a science project you get to choose whatever interests you. That is important because if you are not doing what you like you will not give yourself the opportunity to succeed or even feel good about your project. A science fair is the most rewarding and self-fulfilling thing I have ever done in my life and if you have the time and energy to do it, I guarantee the same will happen for you.

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
Originally, I wasn't interested in aspens, but in plant survival strategies. In the spring I read Anatomy of a Rose by Sharman Apt Russell. I became interested in plant reproduction and plants' strategies for survival. Last August my family spent two weeks at a cabin near Mancos, Colorado. Aspens surrounded the cabin. At the time, I wasn't interested in these aspens, but when I returned to New Mexico, I was struck by the novelty of aspens in piñon juniper land.

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
Preservation of biodiversity is the most pressing scientific issue of my generation. We can protect biodiversity by keeping our air and water clean and preventing loss of habitat.

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
I would like to learn to take photographs through a microscope. My first project will be examining and photographing the microscopic life of ponds in my area.

What advice would you give other young scientists?
Although I enjoy going new places and hiking on new trails, I think it is most valuable to find a few hikes or spots I can visit frequently. Visiting the same place over the period of a year, I notice changes I wouldn't see if I always went some place new: I catch the last flower of the summer, watch the tadpoles grow, or see when the rabbit brush first blooms. After a few years of returning to the same place, I even see changes in the environment: I see how the amount of water has changed and how the amount of water affects the flora and fauna of one place.

Remember that you don't have to go somewhere exotic to find an interesting project. I spent two weeks in Southern Colorado where the aspens are so plentiful, I was almost uninterested by them. I had never given much thought about the aspens near Lost Lake, but when I returned to Lost Lake, I found them remarkable.

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
I have been intrigued my whole life by the outdoors and all the amazing animals God created. I am a Christian and I believe in Biblical principals. In everything I do I ask God to direct my paths and I thank Him for the gifts He has given me. Romans 1:20 says, "For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." I was inspired to write about my expedition because there were so many memorable moments and I wanted to have them written down for my children someday.

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
Cloning and all its ramifications is the most pressing issue in science today. It is extremely controversial from a scientific standpoint and also both morally and ethically. Psalm 139:14 tells me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, that God's works are marvelous. We already know from the cloned animal experiments that man's work is faulty and often has many handicapping errors. I want to practice science in a way that glorifies God.

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
I plan on continuing the Texas Quail Index Study for four more years on the Spring Gap Ranch. This coming year I will begin taking some college credit courses. I am preparing to pursue a degree in natural resources with a focus on wildlife biology. In Junior High, I had planned on being a surgeon and was especially interested in the heart. Now I am looking at the possibility of either human or animal medicine as a long-term goal. My life verse right now is Luke 9:23, "And He said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." I expect to use whatever knowledge I gain on mission trips to help others. I also use what Dr. Rollins, my mentor, calls 'Silver Bullets.' Many of these encouraging and thoughtful statements come from scientists. My favorite is from Sir Isaac Newton it states, "If I have been able to see farther than others, it is only because I have stood on the shoulders of giants." This has been true in my life, as my parents and grandparents have certainly fostered my scientific endeavors.

What advice would you give other young scientists?
We each have a purpose. To achieve it, use the gifts God has given you and explore new ideas. Many of the greatest scientific discoveries were made by accident or by scientists trying to do something else. Never give up, but also understand that you can never explain everything through science. Isaiah 55: 8-9 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." We are not God, we are created in His image and He wants us to honor Him.

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
The inspiration I received for my expedition was rather serendipitous. While walking through the forest behind my house, pondering topics for my essay, I noticed the abundance of plant growth present on the fallen hapu'u (tree-fern) trunks. This led me to hypothesize that these fallen ferns provide a perfect habitat for native tree seedling growth and serve a crucial ecological function in the forest. I have found that nature offers a plethora of inspiration and serves as a model for solving many pressing scientific problems.

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
I believe that the most pressing scientific issue of our generation is dealing with environmental problems. The sustainment of a healthy environment serves a crucial role in human survival and well-being. Though we may stray from our earthly roots through industry and mass production, the source of life will always be organic, derived from sunlight, air, water, and earth. Our generation will have to face the consequences of industrial and technological progress. We will accomplish this by serving as a reciprocating force, canceling out the deleterious effects of wasteful progress. We will have to learn how to make progress towards the development of more earth-friendly technologies.

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
I will definitely continue my pursuit of scientific knowledge, but in what area I cannot say. Topics for scientific investigation will always be abundant, and with broad interests in all areas of science, the projects I pursue will most likely choose me. However, I can say now that I will focus the majority of my efforts into studying the relationships between organisms. It is this holistic understanding of ecological communities that piques my interest and allows me to develop a greater understanding for the functioning of a part to the whole.

What advice would you give other young scientists?
Other young scientists should pursue an area that they have a passion for. Without passion, the efforts you put into scientific investigation will be based on a superficial or forced desire. Being passionate about a subject will allow you to put your best effort into your project; it will also allow you to enjoy your pursuits. Another piece of advice I have to offer is that you should express your findings without fear of being criticized. Although this may prove to be troublesome at first, persistence and realizing the full implications of your findings will prove to be the greatest learning experience that your own mind can foster.

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
I first heard about the Young Naturalist Awards from my physics teacher. I was immediately interested in applying, since I love to write. As I considered good places to conduct my expedition, I realized my backyard was probably the most convenient place to do so. When I spotted several fascinating and eye-catching mushrooms in the backyard, I knew I had come across the perfect subject.

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
The future of science lies heavily with new advents of genetics. With genetics, countless questions of the origin of diseases that affect all humans can be answered. The mysteries of cancer, genetic disorders, and world hunger can be solved with this greater knowledge. More understanding of genetics will result in improvements on present modern medicine, lead to greater comprehension of the origins of life and a better perspective of how certain organisms fit into this web of life, and affect the very nature of future generations.

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
In the fall, I will be entering the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a freshman. There, I plan to study engineering, and I will also have many opportunities to take on undergraduate research positions. In the meantime, I will keep an eye out for any mushrooms that sprout in my backyard this spring!

What advice would you give other young scientists?
Amazing things are waiting to be discovered everywhere, if only you will look. Always be aware and open to observe and question, and keep your ideas elegantly simple and clean. Never limit yourself to anything, from the simplest to the most complex of things; the sky is certainly "not" the limit!

Where did you get the inspiration for your expedition and essay?
I chose to conduct this research because I have always had an overwhelming curiosity concerning the environment I live in. The Northwest Arm is an integral part of Halifax as it is connected to Halifax Harbor. This area is close to my home and borders Point Pleasant Park, which is one of the most beautiful areas in Halifax. It has intrigued me that a valuable natural resource could, in the past, be treated so carelessly. Even though I have spent my entire life living near its beautiful shores, I have never swum in its waters as I have been warned of the high concentration of pollution. My aim in conducting this expedition was to determine whether the Arm is as dangerous as many Haligonians think.

What do you think is the most pressing scientific issue of your generation?
The issue I consider most pressing in the scientific community today is the debate concerning ethics in science. I believe it is imperative that a consensus be reached as to whether or not scientists are responsible for restricting their research because of the ethical implications their discoveries may have. An example of this is cloning. Scientists have made considerable progress in this field, however, there are many defects in their work. This poses a significant problem as science gives us the opportunity to create a human clone but morally we must decide if this is appropriate.

Do you have plans for any future scientific investigation?
Yes, this summer I intend to continue my observation of the periwinkles in the Northwest Arm. I would also like to extend my research to encompass the entire ecosystem. My goal in this is to determine what has caused the heightened levels of nitrogen in the area. Next year I will be studying neuroscience at Dalhousie University.

What advice would you give other young scientists?
Always follow your instincts and research what is important to you. If there is something you are interested in, begin your research by starting a journal in order to help you formulate your thoughts and ideas. Another important tip is to ask others who are well-acquainted with your research topic for their advice.