DoDEA

PEACHTREE CITY, GA — April 20, 2010 — Antilles High School Senior Natalia Lopez will present at the 48th Annual National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) in Bethesda, Maryland, April 28 – May 2, 2010.

Her research project, titled, “Long Term Study of the Biodiversity in a Rocky Shore Community in Puerto Rico,” looks at the impact of urban development on aparticular ecosystem on the eastern coast of the island of Puerto Rico. Her work was chosen by a panel, led by Dr. J.E. De Jesus, local JSHS director and coordinator. Lopez’ presentation will be webcast live at 10:40 a.m., April 30.

Antilles High School Junior Tylia Hernandez will also attend JSHS as an observer. She is working on a long term research project which she intends to enter in next year’s competition. Both students have developed their investigation skills as part of the project based learning approach employed in Mrs. Iliada Sierra’s Environmental Science class at Antilles High School.

“I am proud of Natalia’s selection,” Sierra said. “I’m very impressed with all the hard work she has put into her project. She is well prepared to participate in what could be the first step in a career in the science field.”

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium is a nationwide program sponsored by the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and it is supported by the Department of Defense and many colleges and universities with the aim to challenge and engage students (Grades 912) in research in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). Individual students compete for scholarships and recognition by presenting the results of their original research efforts before a panel of judges and an audience of their peers.