The vision “I believe that science is the most effective way to address this issue. Science drives innovation and constant technological advancements. If I want to truly make a difference, science is the path to take.” – Victoria Ou, high school student and science fair winner
The spotlight
Last month, over 2,000 high school students from around the globe gathered in Los Angeles for the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The winning projects list is awe-inspiring, even for a 30-year-old with a science degree. The top prize of $75,000 went to Grace Sun for her project “Novel Chemical Doping Strategy to Enhance N-Type Organic Electrochemical Transistors.” Other awards recognized projects like “Solving Second-Order Cone Programs in Matrix Multiplication Time.” Notably, there were several climate-related projects as well. Climate activists often take the spotlight, but the youth leadership displayed at ISEF through research and innovation deserves equal recognition.
Victoria Ou and Justin Huang
Victoria Ou and Justin Huang, both 17-year-olds from The Woodlands College Park High School in Texas, developed a system using ultrasound waves to filter microplastic particles from water. Their project was awarded the Gordon E. Moore Award for Positive Outcomes for Future Generations, along with a $50,000 scholarship. The duo’s passion for environmental science led them to create a device in their homes that successfully trapped up to 94% of microplastic particles, ensuring clean water flow.
Victoria and Justin’s Invention
Their system uses a transducer to generate ultrasound, effectively pushing microplastics against the water flow in a tube. This innovative approach prevents clogging issues common in traditional filters. Their experimentation showcased the device’s efficiency even under extreme conditions, demonstrating its potential to combat the microplastics crisis on a larger scale.
Conversation with Victoria and Justin
I had the opportunity to speak with Victoria and Justin about their project, their experience at ISEF, and their future goals. Both students emphasized their school’s strong culture of scientific inquiry, inspiring them to pursue environmental solutions. Victoria’s initial interest in plastic pollution and Ms. Caldwell’s influence guided them towards developing a noninvasive filtering approach using ultrasound technology.
Explaining their Invention
Victoria and Justin described their device’s functionality, illustrating how ultrasound waves block microplastics while allowing clean water to pass through. Their system overcomes traditional filtration challenges through innovative design and successful testing. The dedication and ingenuity displayed by these young scientists offer hope for addressing pressing environmental challenges with groundbreaking solutions.
