WOW, what a privilege to have had the opportunity to listen to two awe inspiring presentations from two ultra special science students from our partner school Glendowie College. They're on a mission and these two students are certainly ones to watch out for in making a massive global contribution on the international stage. Both Arbel and Alvaro received sponsorship funding from our Trust to assist with their science activity costs.
Aspiring astrophysicist Arbel Tenembaum presented her participation at the week-long 'Hands-On at Otago' experience in physics in January. Arbel is a Year 12, 16 year old Glendowie College student. She came to New Zealand with her parents from Israel when she was 7 years old. Her curiosity in attending 'Hand on at Otago' was driven by her desire to understand what science does, as she has always held a long time passion for science. She was 1 of 400 students who undertook various physics projects across the 6 days such as solar powered grasshoppers! Arbel's goal is to attend University to study physics.
Alvaro Nola-Dodd joined 160+ students at the Rotary National Science & Technology Forum over 2 weeks in Auckland where he was awarded the prestigious AUT Roy Geddes Science Education Award for travel to London. He is a Year 13 student who won a Physics scholarship in Year 12. He eloquently talked about his time at the Forum meeting like-minded top end engineering/science people. Alvaro said the Forum was life changing as a person, socially and professionally - it opened his eyes to the world around him and he was exposed to in-depth research at the University particularly in biomedical research whereby the application of theoretical knowledge can make a dramatic impact on peoples' lives. Alvaro talked about the many science modules on offer, such as the linkages with ethics and business, molecular bio discovery and bioinformatics. Alvaro has a passion for engineering and physics and quantum computing and plans on pursuing higher learning in this field.The Forum provided Alvaro a snap shot of student life with 200 students across NZ who all shared a common passion for science and technology. In between the science stuff he played volleyball, and learnt how to play pool. What else does Alvaro do in his spare time?...well he plays the violin, does a bit of fishing and sailing, is learning to kite surf, tinkers with cars and is rebuilding a motor bike. He said he's "fuelled" with a desire to learn; wants to question the 'why' and wants to know how something works.
Club Member Oscar Lyons (currently studying at Oxford) read about Alvaro in our previous Bulletin and has offered to show him around Oxford!
