Discus Award Winner
Andy Chan
12th Grade, TX
ATTRIBUTES
Work
I am the founder and president of the Visionaries and Inventors of Tomorrow Organization (VIT) at my school. Through VIT I encourage my peers to explore and pursue their passions in the science and/or entrepreneurship field while developing their communication skills, creativity, and money management skills. By emphasizing a hands-on approach towards learning and creativity, I hope to inspire the next generation of scientist and entrepreneurs that will help innovate our world. Within the first 6 months of its creation, VIT has spread to locations in New York CIty, NY, KIngsport, TN, and at an international school in Beijing, China. I also created and run the website at http://www.vitinitiative.org/.
Arts
I have played the euphonium, tuba, piano, guitar, and violin and still currently play the piano, guitar and violin. I am in my school's Orchestra (Sinfonietta) and Symphony organizations and have held multiple leadership positions in Orchestra such as President, Secretary, and Assistance VP of Administration. During my time in Orchestra I have organized, planned, and lead events such as the summer camp, picnics, trips, fundraisers, and volunteer work around the community. For piano, I have received the Top Talent Circle Superior Plus Rating for 9 consecutive years by the American College of Musicians National Piano Playing Auditions as well as Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals for the Whitlock Theory Tests. I also compose music on the piano, violin, and guitar.
Technology
I am currently in the process of conducting research on solar panels in collaboration with my high school physics teacher, Shawn Richard, and Professor Kymissis of Columbia University. I am researching the possibilities of three dimensional solar panels to increase overall efficiency while reducing costs. Current research in the field often times include expensive tracking systems or complex methods such as tandem cells, DCS cells, quantum dots, etcs. My research hopes to simplify the process while increasing efficiency that is competitive to the current commercial silicon PV cells on the market. In addition to three dimensional cells I also implemented thermoelectric methods into creating a new PV system of its own. I hope to enter my local Intel ISEF science competition in the spring.
