May 21

Senior Spotlight: Thomas Hull

In light of the ongoing disruption that Coronavirus poses to our lives, which includes the cancellation of our annual MST Research Symposium, we are publishing a series of posts on seniors and their research that have been peer selected for excellence.

We asked each selected student to give us info on their abstract, the biggest takeaway from their internship, and something they were excited about for the upcoming year, as well as a few photos.  This post covers MST senior Thomas Hull

Mr. Hull completed his internship through Operation Wallacea, at their research site along the Yarapa River in the Peruvian Amazon. He helped conduct point counts for six species of Ara and Orthopsittaca macaws, which are important indicators of the health of the rainforest. Comparing the data collected from the unprotected Yarapa site to the data collected in 2018 from the nearby Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, he was able to assess the effectiveness of reserves like Pacaya-Samiria. Read all about his work here: Araand Orthopsittaca Macaw Populations in the Peruvian Amazon

When asked about what he learned in his internship, he had this to say: “One of the main reasons why I chose this internship was because I had always been interested in field biology as a possible career. This was kind of a test run in field biology for me, and while conducting authentic field research with some of the most kind and knowledgeable biologists I have ever met, I realized that I could see myself doing this for the rest of my life. Now, because of my experience in Peru, I am officially pursuing field biology as a career!”

As for next year, he reports that he’s “… most excited about studying Biological Sciences at Montana State University in Bozeman. I’ve lived in Camas my whole life, so I’m ready to branch out and see what Montana has to offer…which hopefully includes lots of birds!”

Permanent link to this article: https://chsmstmagnet.com/2020/05/senior-spotlight-thomas-hull/

May 14

Senior Spotlight: Chloe Higgins

In light of the ongoing disruption that Coronavirus poses to our lives, which includes the cancellation of our annual MST Research Symposium, we are publishing a series of posts on seniors and their research that have been peer selected for excellence.

We asked each selected student to give us info on their abstract, the biggest takeaway from their internship, and something they were excited about for the upcoming year, as well as a few photos.  This post covers MST senior Chloe Higgins.

Ms Higgins completed her internship with MarriageTeam, a non-profit organization that focuses on coaching couples to improve or prepare for their marriages. Her research included compiling and analyzing data measuring different couples’ experimentally defined abuse levels and their relative amount of success in coaching. This research contributed to the ongoing question as to whether coaching, as opposed to counseling, is a feasible solution to abusive marriages. The conclusions of her research are detailed here: Marriage Coaching as a More Viable Solution to Combat Abusive Marriages

When asked about the biggest takeaway she drew from her internship, she said, “The biggest takeaway I got from my internship was to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. If you feel like you’re not going to be good at something, that’s only more reason to try, and eventually you’ll learn. The dread you feel now is almost always unnecessary. Confidence is key. Also, take pictures at your internship, PLEASE.”

As for next year when she’s studying at Pepperdine University, she reports that she’s ” … most excited about exploring all of the opportunities available for me in my new environment, be it career, volunteer, academic, or extracurricular related. College is the perfect time to really discover what you are passionate about and what your core ideals are. I’m very excited to grow in any and all ways!!”

Permanent link to this article: https://chsmstmagnet.com/2020/05/senior-spotlight-chloe-higgins/

May 08

MST Grad Monica Chang Helps Pioneer CovEd

We recently heard from 2019 CHS/MST grad Monica Chang who is studying at Harvard this year. As per normal, she’s networking and creating opportunities for people. Here’s what she had to say:

“I’m currently helping lead an initiative called CovEd to connect low-income K-12 students with undergraduate and postgraduate students for free virtual tutoring during these months. Our vision is to encourage and empower students who may be struggling with online schooling because of limited access to resources and technology or because of a difficult home situation. We also hope to minimize the extra work placed on teachers because of the transition to online classes. We currently have more than 1000 mentor volunteers so far from universities like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT, and we’ve started tutoring sessions for over 400 students. You can find us on MIT’s Rapid Innovation Dashboard, or on our website www.coved.org! Please feel free to forward this resource on to any students you think are struggling/dealing with difficult home situations at this time.”

Permanent link to this article: https://chsmstmagnet.com/2020/05/mst-grad-monica-chang-helps-pioneer-coved/

May 07

Senior Spotlight: Sarah Chesley

In light of the ongoing disruption that Coronavirus poses to our lives, which includes the cancellation of our annual MST Research Symposium, we are publishing a series of posts on seniors and their research that have been peer selected for excellence.

We asked each selected student to give us info on their abstract, the biggest takeaway from their internship, and something they were excited about for the upcoming year, as well as a few photos.  This first post covers MST senior Sarah Chesley.

Ms. Chesley completed her internship at OHSU’s Balance Disorders Laboratory. She collected and analyzed human subject data on the intersection of fatigue and balance impairment in people with multiple sclerosis. Using motion tracking sensors, her team observed several fatigue-sensitive measurements that signified exacerbated balance impairments in people with MS. Read more on her research here: The Impact of Multiple Sclerosis Related Fatigue on Pre-existing Gait and Balance Impairments

When asked about the biggest takeaway she drew from her internship, she said, “My mentor was expecting a baby very soon, so within a week or two I had taken over her role in data collection almost entirely. Though we as students have less experience, we shouldn’t underestimate the skills we already have, but approach new opportunities with confidence.”

As for next year and fall, she’s most excited about “… studying at UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering for Bioengineering and living in Los Angeles, one of the most diverse cities in the world … I’m also going to be living 20 minutes from Santa Monica, so I’m looking forward to beach trips and warm weather.” 

Congratulations on the successful internship and your impending graduation from high school, Sarah!

Permanent link to this article: https://chsmstmagnet.com/2020/05/senior-spotlight-sarah-chesley/

Apr 22

WSSEF in the Age of Covid: MST Jrs. Succeed!

The Washington State Science and Engineering Fair was held virtually this year due to COVID-19. Students presented their work to judges via Zoom breakout sessions. MST juniors Gareth Starratt and Justine Pendergraft competed with their project, Implementing Visual and Thermal Imaging Techniques for Disease and Invasive Species Analysis in Forestry. They were picked to represent Washington State at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.  Regeneron ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college science competition with 1,800 young entrepreneurs and innovators from 80+ countries worldwide. Sadly, though, this year’s ISEF has been canceled, but way to go, Gareth and Justine!

MST juniors Gareth Starratt and Justine Pendergraft shown here at an earlier, pre-Covid qualifying fair.

Permanent link to this article: https://chsmstmagnet.com/2020/04/wssef-in-the-age-of-covid-mst-jrs-succeed/

Mar 31

Staying Engaged: Freshmen, Sophomores, Staff

I’ve been checking in with freshmen and sophomore students and staff this past week about how they’ve spent some of their time given the extraordinary turn of events we’ve all experienced in the last couple of weeks. Not as many responses from them as I had from juniors and seniors, but they are staying busy. I asked each student and staff member the following question(s):

“What have you been doing to stay “engaged” in your life and learning lately given the abrupt shift we’re all experiencing? BTW: Learning doesn’t necessarily mean studying. For instance, I’ve been working on my guitar and bass playing, listening to audiobooks with my family, and taking gloriously long walks each day. Would you be willing to share a photo or video to provide context for the activities you’ve been engaged in?”

  • Aiden Bai (9): Recently, Ashton D, Naoto, Ben S, Mr. Jiang, and I created a online platform. It’s essentially a platform that allows students, parents, and Camas families to exchange necessary information and materials during the COVID-19 situation. It initially started out as a 10 hour hackathon, but we’ve been continuing development because of the potential of the idea. Website: https://covidheroes.net
  • Sunny Wang (10): I’ve been spending most of my time practicing piano, and I am working on learning several new programming languages and how not to feed in league. I am also sleeping over ten hours a day which feels amazing.
  • Jennifer Roberts (Staff): I have to say as an introvert I have felt like Zoom and other digital resources has provided for more opportunities to engage and connect with kids and staff on a more individualized basis this past week. I have been sharing how to use Book Creator, practicing the features of Zoom, and frequently updating the class google sites with all the resources teachers are sharing across the nation. And yes- to be perfectly honest- I have still been obsessing and reading about the Coronavirus studies. It hasn’t been all work though, I have had a chance to learn how to use my rock tumbler, brought home 4 baby chickens from LJC and all the school pets to monitor from home- and put in 2 new algae eaters into my inside tank. I am about to start growing some plants with my youngest- four our seed germination lab time! I have enjoyed the opportunity to help out my parents more than I have been able to in the past, getting them groceries and taking their puppy Cooper in for his vaccinations. My youngest sister keeps posting workweek hustle challenges on our Fitbit apps- so I am out walking to get my steps in- so far I have not been winning 🙁 I do miss seeing all your smiling faces quite a bit!

Permanent link to this article: https://chsmstmagnet.com/2020/03/staying-engaged-freshmen-sophomores-staff/

Mar 25

Staying Engaged: Juniors and Seniors

I reached out to our juniors and seniors earlier this week to see how they’ve spent some of their time given the extraordinary turn of events we’ve all experienced in the last couple of weeks. I asked each student in that group the following question(s):

“What have you been doing to stay “engaged” in your life and learning lately given the abrupt shift we’re all experiencing? BTW: Learning doesn’t necessarily mean studying. For instance, I’ve been working on my guitar and bass playing, listening to audiobooks with my family, and taking gloriously long walks each day. Would you be willing to share a photo or video to provide context for the activities you’ve been engaged in?”

We had a remarkable range of responses covering everything from traditional studying, canoeing, painting, crocheting, etc. Here’s a compilation of some of the ways in which time has been spent:

  • Victor Wu (12): Well…I spent the first week probably just goofing off and either wasting time. I think I got sick of it a few days ago because I missed the structure and schedule that my day used to have. So as a result the past few days I’ve been scheduling time blocks to accomplish certain tasks: AP Prep, classwork, revisiting old subjects, practicing languages, drawing, exercise, music. I think something I enjoy right now is being able to have control over what I want to do in the day and how much time I wish to spend. Digital art, something I haven’t really been able to delve into now has time to be worked one. I can practice kendo more now that swimming is canceled
  • Justine Pendergraft (11): I’ve been playing a lot of Minecraft and some D&D, learning how to play the guitar, and doing a lot of gardening (I’ve got about a dozen seedlings from acorns I collected in Ashland and downtown Camas in the fall, as well as a few other types of trees). I’ve got a few projects I’ve always wanted to do, so I’ll probably be working on those in the next few weeks.
  • Chloe Higgins (12) I’ve also been practicing guitar! As well as painting postcards, making jewelry, cooking, singing, and reading Shakespeare! Oh I also started a fashion Instagram where I can document my outfits! If quarantine is like the dark ages, then I’m gonna come out of it ready for a renaissance!!
  • George Walker (11) Working on guitar playing. I’ve also been softmodding my 3ds and am working on a port of a cpp compiler for it.
  • Faith Bergstrom (11) I’ve baked bread twice this week, and I’ve also been crocheting and embroidering. I’ve been listening to podcasts while doing that too. I just ordered Animal Crossing, so I’m looking forward to playing that
  • Daisy Wagner (11) I’ve been working on improving my art skills, by painting and doing digital art! I even started an art Instagram account to post things.
  • Julian McComie (11) I’ve finally had the chance to read like I used to; right now I’m reading the Count of Monte Cristo and Scientific American. I’ve been watching a ton of Jeopardy to make up for the surely cancelled state tournament. I drove up to the Gifford Pinchot forest and walked around for a few hours. I went canoeing alone overnight a few nights ago on Lacamas Lake. I greatly underestimated the length of Lacamas Lake, but I told myself I would go from one end to the other and back. I took me about 3 hours, and it was 36 degrees outside.
  • Ryan Glaze (11) I’ve been sick the whole time so I’m just sort of here, but I’ve been listening to music and when I get better I’m gonna make the best of the situation, I’m not sure how yet though
  • Sophia Nelson (11) I have been using my free time to paint! I never have much time during school unless I sacrifice a few hours of sleep, so I’ve been enjoying having time to work on painting and drawing.

Permanent link to this article: https://chsmstmagnet.com/2020/03/staying-engaged-juniors-and-seniors/

Mar 13

2020 SWWRSEF Results

Last Friday, March 6, 2020,  33 CHS/MST students competed in a variety of categories at the Southwest Washington Regional Science and Engineering Fair at Washington State University Vancouver. Students presented their research to judges and the community and brought home a ton of prizes. See the full listing below:

Students Project Title Awards
Seung Choi, Minjae Dang, and Kevin Klave Viability of 3D Printed Casts in Modern Medicine: Are they really better? Engineering Mechanics-1st Place
Aiden Stewart and Andrew Wessel Aquaponics: Food of the Future Plant Sciences-1st Place
Ricoh Sustainable Development Award
Ashton Doane, Robert Spencer, and Sunny Wang Automating Music Transcription Through Machine Learning Systems Software-2nd Place
Justine Pendergraft and Gareth Starratt Implementing visible and thermal imaging techniques for Disease and invasive species analysis in forestry. Environmental Engineering-2nd Place
BPA Tour Award
Aiden Bai, Minwoo Dang, Austin Shin Filtering Microfibers Environmental Engineering-Honorable Mention
Naval Science Award
Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Paige Frawley, Ava Wagner, and Stefanie Valent-Musleh Chemically Modifying Plastic to Facilitate Degradation by Mealworms Earth and Environmental Science-2nd Place
U.S. Air Force Award
Sarah Luo, Ananya Pattamatta, and Selina Zou Analyzing Chemical Content of Water in Camas, WA Earth and Environmental Science-3rd Place
Sydney Apacible, Lucia Jiang, and Ting-Syuan Lai The E. coli-Eating Mushrooms Microbiology-3rd Place
Anabel Jiang and Lena Trieu Using Micrococcus luteus to Sustainably Dye Cloth Microbiology-Honorable Mention
Lisel Shyam Is the amount of mold and the type of preservatives used related? Microbiology-Honorable Mention
Pauline Do and
Natalie Ge		 The Healing Capabilities of Trichoderma reesei in Concrete Materials Science-3rd Place
Imogen Hinchliff and Rose Kuhle Naturopathic Preventions for Escherichia coli Biomedical and Health Sciences-3rd Place
U.S. Agency for International Development Award
Katrina Le, Vivian Lu, and Ishan Mehta Algae Biofuel Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design-3rd Place

Permanent link to this article: https://chsmstmagnet.com/2020/03/2020-swwrsef-results/

Mar 10

2020 Service Project Update

We’ve put together an impressive 25 strong group of volunteers from Magnet kids, staff, family, and friends to serve on behalf of Share, Inc. in this year’s Vancouver Couve Clover Run. Mrs. Jarvis and Mr. Greene are volunteering this year by running the race with a group of students. Consider supporting Share by making a donation to our racing efforts and helping us to meet our goal while also helping Share take care of some of Vancouver’s/Clark County’s most vulnerable citizens … Let’s Go!

Donate here:  https://couvecloverrun.raceroster.com/pledge/participant/8816854 

 

Permanent link to this article: https://chsmstmagnet.com/2020/03/2020-service-project-update/

Feb 20

Couve Clover Run Service Opportunity

We typically try to do at least one service project per year as a group to support our community, build community, and to instill in our students the importance of service.

This year we’re partnering with Share of Vancouver to provide event help for the Vancouver Couve Clover Run on March 22nd, 2020, from roughly 8:00 am -12:00 pm. We’re looking for students, staff, friends, and family who would like to serve in one of four possible ways. We are offering to help with packet pick up, general clean up, and in serving as “course marshals” who help direct race traffic. And we also have the option of doing service by volunteering to run on team Share and trying to raise money for them (free registration). We are looking to partner students with parent and staff volunteers so that all students will serve with an adult they/we know during this event. I’m told that all volunteers will receive a shirt, too, but I’ve yet to hear the final confirmation on that. Event info: https://whyracingevents.com/couve-clover-run/

If you think this might be something you, your parents, and friends might be interested in doing to help a local organization who helps to take care of some of our community’s most vulnerable members, then sign up here: https://forms.gle/5wmLj4yLjwgHMfk67

By the way, what does Share do in our community? “At Share, we provide a spectrum of services—from the Outreach team on the streets to emergency shelters and free nutritious meals, to the Backpack program feeding hungry children and subsidized housing for low-income individuals and families, to a matched savings program and permanent housing, and so much more.” https://www.sharevancouver.org/

What does Share get out of this? Share gets a donation from event partners when they reach their volunteer quota, so we’ll be able to help them out by being “their” volunteers for this event.

Permanent link to this article: https://chsmstmagnet.com/2020/02/couve-clover-run-service-opportunity/