What AEOP program(s) did you participate in?
eCYBERMISSION
What’s something that has surprised you about the AEOP program?
I was surprised by how eager experts were to help students with their research. When I competed in eCYBERMISSION, our team reached out to experts in fields such as psychology, gaming, and technology. Each time, they were happy to provide input on our research or share information not publicly available. I learned that there are always people willing to help.
What got you interested in this program?
I became interested in eCYBERMISSION when my friends and I had the chance to compete in the 6th grade. We liked that we could come up with any idea to improve our community and potentially win money.
Tell me about your AEOP experience...
I competed in eCYBERMISSION in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. I learned the scientific process through the competition before I learned it in school. My teams won first place in New Jersey each year we competed. I was selected to participate in GEMS in 2018 at Ft. Detrick, Maryland, and virtually in 2021 with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). GEMS showed me the many ways to use STEM and sparked my interest in taking engineering in high school and learning coding with Girls Who Code. In 2019 and 2021, I was selected to participate in West Point’s STEM Workshop, where I saw how the military uses STEM. In 2020, I was thrilled to be selected for the AEOP Renaissance Award. I have enjoyed every experience AEOP has offered. I’ve learned something new that makes me curious to learn more. Everyone involved in AEOP programs makes them fun and engaging.
What is something you are passionate about and why?
I am on a mission to save shelter pets. I successfully petitioned my governor to designate June as “Foster a Pet Month” in New Jersey.
