‘Never stop learning’
YCMHS student shines in national science fair, encourages others to ‘be curious, ask questions’
A high school student from the tri-county region who had a gold-medal showing at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Ottawa encourages people never to stop learning.
Eli Wood, a Grade 12 student at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School, was one of eight senior finalists for the Youth Can Innovate Award ($1,000) and one of four chosen to receive an additional $ 7,000 each. Wood also received entrance scholarship offers from six universities worth a combined $26,000.
Wood’s project was titled Stimulation of the Vagus Nerve Through Targeted Temperature. It studied the use of a sensor and a cooling device element combination to help treat situational anxiety, potentially allowing people to be treated for their anxiety without needing medication.
“My project was born out of the desire to help people with their anxiety,” Wood said in a short bio that accompanied the project. “Learning is how we change the world, and how we think about the world. I believe there is an aspect of science for everyone, so try some things out.”
Interviewed after returning home to Yarmouth, Wood reflected a bit on the national fair, notably the top-notch work that was on display.
“It’s phenomenal,” Wood said, “especially to see these Grade 7 students producing the level of research quality that some companies don’t even have, and to see all of these innovative minds Eli Wood, a Grade 12 student at Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School, with his award-winning science project, which was “born out of the desire to help people with anxiety.” discovering new things and trying things ... It’s just unbelievable to recognize that amount of talent in one room.”
This was Wood’s third time taking part in the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Wood was one of three students in the national event from the tri-county region.
Abigail Stanton, a Grade 9 student at Digby Regional High School, and Rafael Pedro, a Grade 8 student at Shelburne Regional High School, also went to Ottawa, thanks to their placing in the top three at the tri-county regional science fair held at NSCC Burridge Campus in Yarmouth in April.
Stanton’s project – The Answer to Bacteria – looked at the use of certain essential oils in fighting bacteria. According to her project bio, Stanton was inspired to see if essential oils inhibit bacteria growth after she took a closer look at advertised claims of their effectiveness. She tested Cassia, Tee Tree and Oregano oils over six days as part of her project. In her biography, the student – described as an athlete and also someone who is passionate about helping others – encourages others to study, research and experiment with topics of interest to them.
Pedro’s project focused on whether feeding hens different foods changes the colour of egg yolk. The idea had come to him after he noticed that the yolk in eggs from hens that were fed leftover lobster had changed to a more orange colour. He researched the topic and discovered that carotenoids were responsible for changing colours. The student further researched other foods containing carotenoids and conducted some experiments with the hens’ diet.
Students taking part in the Canada-Wide fair had a chance to do some sightseeing, visit museums and the like.
Meanwhile, as for Wood, the 18-year-old will attend Mount Allison University and hopes to have a career in clinical psychology. A Rafael Pedro, a Grade 8 student at Shelburne Regional High School. Abigail Stanton, a Grade 9 student at Digby Regional High School. Weymouth native who attended St Mary’s Bay Academy before moving to YCMHS for grades 11 and 12, Wood had some words of advice for younger students with regard to science.
“Be curious, ask questions ... Keep broadening your understanding of the world because science is effectively what makes the world work.”