Ada Metaxas

I'm a junior at Princeton HS and in my 2nd year of the research program. I have always had a strong passion for neuroscience and love to ask many questions about why phenomena occur. Through reading papers about current knowledge of Alzheimer's Disease (AD), it is clear how many unknowns persist in the field and this has sparked a passion within me to help better understand the molecular interactions characterizing AD and other neuroscience diseases. A few years ago, after suffering a concussion while playing basketball, I developed a prototype for a ball that could prevent concussions by deflating prior to impact. I have written neuroscience-related essays such as The Developmental Lags of the Juvenile Brain and Its Impact on Incarceration. Upon submission to the Scholastic Writing Awards, I won three regional Gold Awards and one national Gold Award which only the top 1% of writers in the nation receive. Additionally, I am currently vice president of my school's neuroscience club and have helped to greatly expand the club. Upon my initiative, the club organized numerous summer workshops to introduce young scientists to the fascinating world of neuroscience. This summer I also volunteered at the Children's Fund Science Program to teach underprivileged children several science related concepts and how to think like a science researcher. I love teaching younger students who are passionate about science and look forward to continuing. Due to my passion for science and math, I was named my middle school's top grade-wide scientist two years and top mathematician one year. I balance my academic passion equally with my passion for track. I am captain of the team as well as a long jumper and hurdler. I believe that sports are crucial to the mental and physical wellbeing of students. Overall, I am very excited about conducting AD research and hope to receive funding soon!

September 2020