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January 10, 2023

AHA’s Stephanie Chan to Apply for Governor’s School in Engineering & Tech

Stephanie Chan of Closter, a junior at the Academy of the Holy Angels, is her school’s nominee for the 2023 Governor’s School of New Jersey Program in Engineering and Technology. Chan will now make her formal application to the highly-selective summer immersion program, which will be held at the Rutgers University School of Engineering.

This Angel considers GSET a pathway to explore and deepen her interests in engineering and technology. She is particularly interested in collaborating with her peers. Chan explained that working with others allows her to sharpen her skills while she taps into the group’s enthusiasm.

 

Over the summer of 2022, Chan spent time developing her interests in STEM by completing programs that included the Stevens Cybersecurity Pre-college Program, and the Inspirit AI machine learning course, where she learned how to detect distracted driving. She also participated in Kode with Klossy.

 

“I designed an app and later gave a presentation on it at Apple Fifth Avenue,” Chan said of her work with Kode with Klossy.

 

“My interest in engineering and tech has always been a part of me through elementary and middle school where I learned block code through different websites like Scratch.com and Code.org and built circuits in our school STEM lab,” Chan added. “I took the Introduction to computer science elective in my sophomore year that solidified my interest in text-based coding. I also joined the robotics club as a co-captain of the team, which allowed me to apply my coding skills to a working product. Now, I take Advanced Placement Computer Science A and I enjoy learning new topics to improve my coding abilities.

 

“While I find executing simple pieces of code interesting, what most intrigues me about STEM-related studies is the application of knowledge to create real-world solutions to bigger issues. The technology and logic behind these products are very fascinating to me and I feel strongly about learning more about the processes behind making such life-changing devices.”

 

Chan sees herself using her interest in engineering and technology to improve the lives of others.

 

I admire scientists and engineers who have been able to create products that improve people’s health and everyday lives, and I would love to be among these brilliant people in the future,” she said.

 

At Holy Angels, Chan is a Mother Caroline Scholar, and is regularly named to the Principal’s List for maintaining an outstanding grade point average. She is a member of the French Honor Society and the Tri-M Honor Society, a national organization for dedicated musicians who also demonstrate scholarship, leadership, and character. Chan studies instrumental music at school and privately, and plays Flute 1 for the Academy Orchestra.

 

She is a member of the Coding Club Executive Board, and treasurer of Solidarity with Haiti, an AHA-based group that fundraises to improve the lives of people living in Haiti. Chan is co-captain of her robotics team, and has led her group in competitions. Her activities have also included membership in Angels in Anatomy.

 

Chan is an accomplished athlete and a member of the AHA Varsity Tennis Team. As a sophomore, she was named to the All Big North United Division First Team, and posted a 9-4 record. This year, she received an All Big North United Division Honorable Mention, and posted a 10-1 record. She has also been involved with the Academy’s varsity track and field team.

 

Her volunteer work includes responsibilities as a Sunday School monitor at her church, and a volunteer counselor at the Metropolitan Chinese Culture Camp. Chan also coaches tennis players who range in age from 9 to 15.

 

GSET is funded by donors, and is free to participants. Admitted students focus on research projects they complete in small groups. Participants do not receive grades or credits, but their final projects and papers are unveiled before hundreds of guests at a symposium. GSET also includes life-skills workshops, site visits to local corporations, and activities that help participants network with professors and professionals. Each year, the selection panel receives approximately 300 to 400 applications from nominees who have been referred by their high schools. Fewer than 25% of those nominees gain admission. (Source: https://soe.rutgers.edu/gset)

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