Christopher Yao of Jericho Senior High School was selected to represent New York as a delegate to the 2014 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC). Yao will join 100 other top high school graduates representing the United States as well as students from around the world. The NYSC is located in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. For next three and a half weeks, the delegates will be exposed to various scientific lectures and activities, as well as have the opportunity to explore music, art, and the outdoors.
Each year, scientists from various disciplines travel to the camp to present lectures and lead directed studies. This year’s lecture topics will include: water source protection, nanotechnology, radio astronomy, and energy sustainability. Throughout camp, a Directed Study series will provide extensive “hands-on” experiences in specific fields. Delegates will have the opportunity to dissect a human brain, discuss cybersecurity, explore the geologic evolution of the oceans, and search through the DNA sequence of a genetic disease.
In addition to learning about groundbreaking scientific research, delegates will explore their natural surroundings through an extensive outdoor program consisting of hiking, caving, mountain biking, and rock climbing. The delegates may choose from seminars ranging from Ultimate Frisbee and swing dancing to discussions of philosophy, travel, religion, and culture.
