Bolles freshman wins America’s Top Young Scientist Award
Bolles freshman Sarah Park has won the $25,000 grand prize in 3M’s Discovery Education Young Scientist Challenge for her Spark Care+ music therapy treatment project. Spark Care+ is a personalized music therapy treatment for mental health disorders that uses artificial intelligence, galvanic skin response and photoplethysmography. Park is an accomplished violinist who has performed in Carnegie Hall and won many state and national-level awards for her musicianship.
The award is the result of a months-long competition featuring the work of student-scientists in grades 5-8 from all over the country. Last spring, students submitted their ideas to help solve everyday problems and improve lives around the world. Judges selected 10 student projects, including Park’s, as national finalists and competitors worked throughout the summer – with the help of a 3M scientist mentor – to bring their innovative ideas to life, according to a 3M description.
Park worked with Dr. Ann Fornof, 3M Senior Research Specialist in Polymer Science & Adhesives, on her research and application. The final daylong event on Oct 18 included two intensive challenges judged by seven different scientists and educators. On Oct. 19, Park shared her final presentation and participated in a question-and-answer session. The awards presentation was held later in the evening.
In her finalist overview, Park said it is her dream to be paired up with a mentor scientist to make Spark Care+ a reality.
“In 15 years, I hope to be an innovator and researcher in the medical field using technology and robotics,” Park said.
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