Matthew Tan
| Q1 What are you doing now? |
| I am an undergraduate student at Stanford University studying Aerospace engineering and Computer Science. |
| Q2 How did the Science Fair change your life? |
| The Science Fair gave me the opportunity to attend ISEF and enjoy a week of total immersion in the latest scientific achievements with other like-minded, bright students as interested in scientific research as I am. Learning from and meeting industry leaders, famous scientists, and other notable figures was an exciting experience. Additionally, piloting a Piper Seneca twin-GA airplane across the country to ISEF and back from Detroit to Phoenix is a once in a lifetime adventure that I know few individuals my age are lucky enough to have. This was a particularly important for me given my field of Aerospace and my love of flying. Furthermore, the Science Fair gave me the opportunity to spend six weeks in Israel at the Weizmann Institute of Science, a major research institution, in an intensive international summer science research program. Both an amazing and unique cultural and academic experience, I learned about a completely brand new scientific field of laser optics, as well as toured breathtaking cities, landscapes, deserts, and other important historical landmarks, all with scientifically interested peers from around the world. The Science Fair has granted me so many unique opportunities that were critical in developing my scholarship and substantial factors in cementing my passion for scientific research as I continue my academic career. |
| Q3 What did you like the most about the Science Fair? |
| The judging process was the most exciting part of the Science Fair. Being able to talk about a project you have spent months (sometimes years )developing as well as receiving feedback from experts in your field is a wonderful and valedictory process. Additionally, rising to answer a challenging question or defending the validity of your research/process to the satisfaction of a judge is a thrilling and unique part of the Science Fair experience. |
| Q4 What career advice do you wish someone told you when you were younger? Career advise you wish to share? |
| Don't be afraid to discover and build upon your personal strengths. Apply for and make the most of every opportunity you are given. Give your best shot to learn a wide range of fields and be ready to learn and fail. Once you discover something you like and are good at, dedicate yourself to learning everything you can about it. Play to your strengths. If you find something you're good at and enjoy, you'll likely find success. |
| Q5 Any specific advice on becoming involved in Science and Engineering? |
| There are many opportunities for students to engage in scientific research, even if they haven't had much prior experience. Give as many opportunities you can your best shot (the worst that can happen is they simply say no). Something will likely pan out. When this happens, work hard to learn as much as you can and make use of all the resources that are available to you. Simply put, just try. Don't worry about experience or field or failure. Throw yourself through the process and learn as much as you can. Whatever you learn, no matter the outcome, will inform your next step and you'll likely find the information/contacts that can teach you and provide the guidance to grow your scientific career. |
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