Profile

I am a senior at Niles North High School in Skokie Illinois. I am enrolled in the STEM
Inquiry and research class. I am an avid sports fan. I grew up playing and watching
sports and still do to this day. I am apart of the DECA which is a business club at Niles
North where we compete against other schools on written paper, role plays, and
projects. I was able to go to State this year and I was awarded a top 10 finalist in my
category for my project. I want to further my studies at Depaul University in hopes of
becoming an accountant. To obtain a job, I decided to pursue an experiment in zoology
this year for my STEM project. My experiment was to test the possible effects of artificial
sweeteners on freshwater organisms. I was awarded a silver award at the science fair
this year.

Experience

SIRs Student, Niles North

Skokie, IL - 2014-2016

In the STEM Inquiry and Research class students study an independent research on a topic of
their choosing. With the leadership of the SIRs teachers being mentors to students with their
projects, students are able to compete at the regional science fair in the spring in hopes of
achieving awards and a chance to qualify for the Illinois State Science Fair.

Accomplishments
Successfully experimented the effects of artificial sweeteners on freshwater organisms
Won silver at the regional science fair

Education
2012-present

Completed science courses

Biology
Chemistry
Physics
STEM Inquiry and Research

Skills
Using a microscope
During my experiment I had to learn how to use a microscope by changing the
clarity, angle, zooming in and out, placing a slide and cover on the microscope
correctly etc.

Analyzing data
 Throughout my experiment, analyzing the different organisms daily through the
microscope and collecting data while observing through the microscope.

Public Speaking
At the regional science fair, I had to present my project in front of 2 judges and give a
brief summary of my project, how I did it, what I used, and the societal impact of the
project.

Research
Knowing your topic and understanding all the elements to your project requires
extensive research which is what I had to do in order to be as prepared and to
execute my experiment the best way I could.

Using Excel
Having the ability to use microsoft excel was crucial for this project because
organization with data was easier and being able to make graphs and pie charts
is easy if you are able to navigate through excel.

Culturing each organism

Research about culturing each organism and making sure the right amount of
food is given and living conditions are stable.
Achievements
Successfully experimented the effects of artificial sweeteners on freshwater organisms
Won silver at the regional science fair

References
2017 Mentor: RJ Thielsen ricthi@d219.org