Top 300 at JIC: One Step Closer to DC!

I HAVE SOME VERY EXCITING NEWS... I JUST GOT SELECTED AS ONE OF THE TOP 300 STUDENTS AT JIC!

After all the research, experiments, failed experiments, late nights, presentations, and learning, finding out that I made the Top 300 was an incredible feeling. It was one of those moments where I could finally look back at all the work I've put into science and realize that it was worth it.

The Hard Work Behind It All

Getting here definitely didn't happen overnight. I've spent countless hours researching questions, designing experiments, learning new techniques, analyzing results, and figuring out what to do when things didn't work.

And trust me, things definitely didn't always work!

But some of my biggest lessons came from the experiments that failed. Every mistake meant I had to figure out what went wrong and try again. I've learned that being a scientist isn't about getting everything right the first time—it's about being curious and hardworking enough to keep going.

Everything I've Learned Along the Way

Science has taught me so much more than just biology and genetics. I've learned how to analyze data, solve problems, explain complicated ideas, speak in front of judges, and think about questions in completely new ways.

I've also learned that behind every successful project are LOTS of hours of preparation. From creating boards and writing narratives to practicing presentations and answering questions, every little detail matters.

Thank You!

I want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who has helped me get here, especially my parents, teachers, mentors, instructors, judges, and family.

Thank you for supporting my crazy science ideas, answering my millions of questions, helping me when things got difficult, and encouraging me to keep going. Whether you helped me with an experiment, gave me advice, drove me somewhere, or simply believed in me, I couldn't have done this without you!

What's Next?

Making the Top 300 is an amazing achievement, but the competition isn't over yet!

The next step is getting selected for the Top 30, and those 30 students will get the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. I am SO excited to see what happens next and am ready to keep working hard.

There are still so many questions I want to explore, things I want to learn, and ideas I want to try. I'm incredibly grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to see where it takes me.

For now, I'm celebrating the Top 300—but I'm keeping my eyes on those Top 30 spots!

DC, I'm coming for you!