Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - March/April 2014 - (Page 34)

EMPOWERED to Change the World e Fair gle Scienc The 2013 Goo "It's your turn to change the world." This is the sentence that inspires thousands of young scientists, engineers, and inventors from around the world to submit their projects to the Google Global Science Fair. In 2013, Valerie Ding was one of them. Here, she describes the competition process and explains how the beneﬁts extend far beyond the competition itself. by Valerie Ding In the summer of 2012, I had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of visiting CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, in Geneva, Switzerland. I had won the trip-the CERN Award, given to 12 students each year-at the 2012 Intel ISEF. It was my first year at ISEF, and I was thrilled that my experience would continue into the summer. My ISEF project had focused on LEDs. But while talking to the world's leading solar cell researchers at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, which we visited while at CERN, I became interested in a promising new technology called quantum dot solar cells, which have the potential to be produced less expensively and to operate more efficiently than conventional solar cells. When I returned home, I was determined to do my part to help bring this technology to fruition. Combining quantum physics, computer programming, and Earth science, I developed a method to double the efficiency of quantum dot solar cells. I spent months conducting research and synthesizing my findings. When I heard about the Google Science Fair, I saw it as the perfect chance to spread the word about quantum dot solar cells: Google would provide a powerful, international, and instant connection to students and researchers around the world. 34 imagine Online and On My Way Through the Google Science Fair website, I submitted an application that described my project, my career goals, and my involvement with science, technology, engineering, and math. A few months passed as the judges read through the applications and selected the 90 regional finalists. I was ecstatic to see online that I was one of them. Now I had to make it through the next round, which would determine the top 15 Global Finalists. A representative from Google called to arrange an interview time, and I soon found myself explaining my research and goals to two judges-but, unlike any other interview I had ever done, this one was conducted via Google Hangouts. The judges asked a range of questions, including how I thought my project would change the world. When the 15-minute allotted time was up, we mutually waved goodbye and clicked Exit. I was relieved but nervous; I would be crossing my fingers for another few weeks. The final announcement aired in the summer of 2013 on Google Hangouts On Air, a live program broadcast on YouTube. I tuned in, listening as the Global Finalists in each age category were announced. When I heard my own name, I was shocked and incredibly humbled. Mar/Apr 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - March/April 2014

In My Own Words
Chemistry Is…
Master of Reactions
Fascinated by Photochemistry
What About Labs?
Buckyballs and Nanocrystals
Small Is Big
Chemistry Among the Stars
Making Chemicals Safer, 21st Century Style
Selected Opportunities & Resources
Empowered to Change the World
The Buzz About History
Off the Shelf
Word Wise
Exploring Career Options
One Step Ahead
Planning Ahead for College
Students Review
Mark Your Calendar
Knossos Games

Imagine Magazine - Johns Hopkins - March/April 2014