This article originally appeared on February 9, 2014 in Patch: Marlboro-Coltsneck.
High Technology High School's Katherine Fang of Marlboro named among top 300 high school scientists in nation for innovation and leadership.
Katherine Fang, a senior at High Technology High School, was recognized as a top young scientist by the Regeneron Science Talent Search, a national science and math competition for high school seniors. (Provided by Monmouth County Vocational School District )
MARLBORO, NJ — The impact of climate change calls for global innovation, and a student from Marlboro is already making a contribution to the field.
Township resident and High Technology High School senior Katherine Fang was recognized as a top young scientist for her work in climate change, the only New Jersey student so honored.
She was singled out among thousands by the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors, the Monmouth County Vocational School District said. The district oversees the county career academies, including High Technology High School in the Lincroft section of Middletown.
Fang, 18, presented an original, independent research project titled “Surveying Water Surface and Wetlands Using Cloud-Removed Landsat Data.”
“Environmental protection and climate change solutions have always been of great interest and critical importance to me,” said Fang. “Water and wetlands are critical for our environment and economy, and I hope to continue addressing real-world environmental problems using innovative engineering solutions.”
Fang’s project focuses on developing a more efficient method of digitally monitoring changes in water and wetland surface area and shorelines using satellite images.
She was inspired to pursue this topic after learning that complete reports from traditional surveys are only available every 10 years, she said.
Her work stood out among the 2,162 entries from students across 46 states, Puerto Rico, and 10 other countries. She is one of 16 students from New Jersey selected, the district said.
Selection criteria include outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions, and demonstration of exceptional promise as a leader in science, technology, engineering, and math.
The competition aims to empower students who are already generating innovative solutions to significant global challenges through rigorous research and discoveries by providing a forum to present and discuss ideas, the district said.
Fang had researched her topic over two years, during which she had the opportunity to meet scientists, members of water agencies, and other student researchers through conferences and competitions.
And her experiences have further motivated her to understand sustainable solutions from both social and technological perspectives, she said.
This achievement earned Fang and High Technology High School, which is part of Monmouth County Vocational School District, each a $2,000 reward.
"We are extremely proud of Katherine's achievement of being selected as an STS Scholar and for her dedication to a subject for which she shows great passion," said High Technology Principal Teresa Hough. "Having one of our students earn this honor ties directly to our mission of preparing students to become proactive and creative problem solvers, effective communicators, and tomorrow's leaders."
Fang credits her high school educational experiences with inspiring her and shaping her path.
She said she is grateful to the school’s dedicated and experienced teachers, motivated peers, and mentors, as well as the STEM-oriented curriculum, research emphasis, and the ReconX experimental research club.
The county district operates six full-time Career Academies. In addition to High Technology High School, offerings include the Academy of Allied Health and Science, Academy of Law and Public Safety, Biotechnology High School, Communications High School, and Marine Academy of Science and Technology. Each welcomes students as freshmen and retains those students through their senior year of high school, for a focused learning experience that helps them take meaningful steps toward their college and career goals.
The district also operates more than 30 shared-time programs, a Career Center for students with special needs and adult programs.
Questions about the admissions process for the Career Academies or any other career and technical education program should be directed to applications@ctemc.org.