2021 LRSEF participant Andrew Park went on to compete in ISEF’s 2021 virtual fair. We asked Andrew a few questions about the experience.
Can you tell us a little bit about your project?
I researched the parameters and conditions of a battery to monitor its health. This allowed for an estimation of the battery lifetime, making it plausible to see when the battery should be replaced to prevent harmful incidents such as explosions and gas leaks.
What did you think of the virtual ISEF experience? Did you face any challenges when preparing for the virtual fairs this year?
The virtual ISEF experience was amazing. The program immersed me into a virtual world, making it easy to navigate to different locations and interact with other finalists. The only minor challenge with preparation for the virtual fairs was keeping up with the emails and news for upcoming events.
What was your favorite ISEF session and why?
My favorite ISEF session was the opening ceremony because it was welcoming. It was amazing to hear all the professionals and leaders of their fields talk to us, giving us valuable advice and wisdom. The “Around the World” dance was especially memorable.
What advice would you give to other students who are facing challenges when doing STEM research?
Don’t give up. At times, researching may seem hard and it may feel like you are not going anywhere–sometimes you might feel like you are going backward. However, it is important to persevere and focus on your work–it will all come together in the end.
What’s next for you? Do you plan to continue your research?
I plan to continue doing research, expanding upon my ISEF project, but also venturing out to other fields of research. I am currently doing research in mathematical modeling and circular-RNA sequencing, as well.
What would you say is the most valuable takeaway or lesson you’ve learned from participating in science fairs?The most valuable lesson I have learned is the take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to you. Many opportunities are chances that other people do not even get to have. Taking a chance and pursuing these possibilities will lead to great outcomes.