As part of its commitment to invest in the next generation of scientists and engineers, the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project awarded a special grand prize at the recent 2015 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF). Kehan Yang, a student from an experimental high school attached to Beijing Normal University in China, was recognized for her wall-climbing WiFi-based Reconnaissance Robot.
As the winner of the TMT special award, Yang and her chaperone have been invited to participate in the 2015 Pacific Astronomy and Engineering Summit (PAES) in Hilo, Hawaii in July. The intensive five-day forum focuses on astronomy and engineering and connects and fosters partnerships among secondary schools from TMT partner countries: Japan, China, India, Canada, and the U.S.
“TMT is proud to recognize and reward outstanding talent and projects from young students who excel in science, technology, engineering and math,” said Mitch Aiken, Associate Director for Educational Outreach at California Institute of Technology. “Kehan’s innovative project design and her dedication to engineering and building a working prototype will certainly inspire her fellow students and all attendees at the Summit in Hawaii in July.”
Yang’s wall-climbing WiFi-based Reconnaissance Robot uses negative pressure absorption, four-wheel drive, and is controlled by a cell phone Java application, which transmits digital and video signals simultaneously to an embedded wireless module on the robot. The light robot materials were produced using 3D-printing technology.
Funded by the TMT, the 2015 PAES will be hosted by the Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii. Students will have an opportunity to interact with professionals and experts within the science fields, especially those associated with astronomy and engineering on Maunakea, and to exchange ideas and solutions that advance their interest in STEM disciplines. PAES will also foster local and global connections through the establishment of a network that students can take advantage of as they explore future careers in STEM and pursue leadership opportunities in science.
The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is the world's largest pre-college science competition, and includes nearly 1,700 high school students from more than 75 countries, regions and territories. Each year, the finalists showcase their independent research as they compete for nearly $4 million in awards. The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2015 is funded jointly by Intel and the Intel Foundation with additional awards and support from dozens of corporate, academic, governmental and science-focused organizations. For more information, visit www.societyforscience.org, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/society4science, or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/societyforscience.
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