Senior Spotlight: Maxwell Vetter

Vetter also was just working on a project for a scholarship that included a simple egg drop. The twist though is the egg started on the ground, and then was thrusted into the air using a bottle rocket. The egg itself must not break upon hitting the ground. 

One challenge with this experiment was finding access to materials he was hoping to use.  He was hoping to launch a rocket up to drop the egg.

“Unfortunately, the government will absolutely get involved if you try to buy the materials necessary to make rocket fuel,”  Vetter said as he talked about some of his experiments. 

Rocket fuel is heavily volatile and a rocket using liquid fuel to land could easily spread a fire. 

“Technically, I could work with the fire marshall and obtain the necessary permission/equipment, but it's incredibly costly and more of a headache than it's worth,” Vetter said.

Though Vetter had many accomplishments in science, there were also plenty of challenges.   

Vetter explained some scientific challenges such as “making sure you don’t accidentally blow yourself up or electrocuting yourself with a homemade galvanic battery.”

While figuring out how to balance being a student, employee and involved in extracurricular activities, Vetter learned a few tips to manage stress.  He finds importance in designating certain parts of the day to each area- school, extracurricular, and work. 

“Mentally, this puts a lot less strain on you, because you no longer need to be constantly stressing over where you need to be since your schedule is laid out for you,” Vetter said.  

Another important aspect to managing his schedule is communication. He finds it extremely helpful to talk with bosses, teachers and coaches ahead of time. 

“Most of the time they’re incredible and willing to work with you and help make a schedule that will fit your needs,” Vetter said.

Vetter’s biggest supporter, his dad, plays a big role in keeping his hobby and study in science going. 

Vetter’s dad helps him with planning, buying the materials, and brainstorming different ideas for a project. 

“Overall, he understands handiwork way better than I feel I ever could,” Vetter said.

Vetter’s plans to pursue a career in physics, which he will take into research and development for a government agency, such as NASA.

Vetter encourages anyone who has an interest in science to explore that curiosity.  He pointed out that you do not need to want a job in science to experiment in your freetime.

“You don't have to be smart or gifted to learn science, you just have to be passionate,” Vetter said.  “And for a fun fact, there is a non-zero chance that every time you slap a table, your hand goes through it. These odds are so close to zero it's impossible to calculate, but in theory and theory alone, it's possible.”