Note: The following write-up was created at the start of my 9th grade year. Some information might be out-of-date.
Hi there, I'm Zane! I'm currently a 9th grader interested in all things space, robotics, coding, math and jazz related. I also enjoy playing strategy board games with my family, going hiking, and anything that involves cats.
I've always wanted to be a roboticist at NASA's JPL in Pasadena, the leading NASA center for unmanned spaceflight. More recently, I've focused my attention on Enceladus — a moon of Saturn with surprising promise to harbor life. Enceladus is an icy, cold moon — but the outside appearance can be deceiving! Under the ice is a subsurface ocean, harboring hydrothermal vents which spew life-giving nutrients into the water. If a submersible robotic probe was sent to investigate these vents, we could precisely analyze the nutrients they expel and (potentially) find life! Finding extraterrestrial life would be the ultimate achievement for me, not just for science, but for all of mankind.
Currently I'm taking Calculus 3 at the College of Marin — because no one becomes a rocket scientist without learning a good deal of math. When I first began taking advanced math courses I wasn't sure whether I would like it or if I would just have to bear with it, but I've really developed an appreciation for the simplicity, profoundness, and elegance of mathematics. I plan to continue taking this courses so that I will have the skills I need to be ready for my career choice.
As hobbies, I enjoy robotics and coding. Since I was a small child I have always enjoyed mechanical creations, especially robots. As I learned more about mechanics and electricity, I started making robots of my own and have continued to do so ever since. I am now in the process making an underwater ROV (as a sort of test for my Enceladus mission) made out of an ABS pipe frame and controlled by an Arduino. Coding is also an invaluable skill in the world of robotics — a robot is nothing without a well-made brain! I started coding through KhanAcademy tutorials, and then slowly learned more languages and principles through practical resources like Arduino and the Parallax system. Currently I am creating a custom programming language designed to be used on embedded systems, with the eventual goal of using it on my ROV.
Another of my hobbies is music. In 5th grade I started playing Clarinet because the my school's music program mandated that you had to play an instrument. I wasn't expecting it to be very fun, but I actually enjoyed it very much and decided to continue playing an instrument the next year. However, my real musical passion was Jazz — so I decided to switch to Alto Saxophone because most of my favorite players were alto players. I enjoyed (and still enjoy) alto saxophone even more than clarinet, so I've continued to play alto ever since. I really enjoy Jazz because it's a very expressive music; as long as you stay within the bounds of the piece you can play however (and whatever) you like. In my time at SMHS I hope to improve my improvisation skills and become a better player in general.
I'm excited for these next years at San Marin because I know that High School will prepare me for my career. In addition, I think I'll have a lot of fun and meet many new friends. I hope that I can learn what I need to learn and have a productive academic career here, so that one day I can send that robot beneath the ice of Enceladus.