Asteroid to be named after Pinoy science HS student

source: gmanews.tv

An asteroid will be named after the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) student who placed second in one of the categories at the 2011 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in Los Angeles, California in the United States.

Sixteen-year-old Miguel Arnold Reyes received the award for his project that aims to produce a natural and biodegradable substitute for commercial film plastics.

His project was recognized in the Materials and Bioengineering category and won $1,500 (approximately P58,800).

The Lincoln Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology also awarded him with an asteroid, which will be named after him.

At the press conference, Reyes, a scholar of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), was all smiles when asked if he was excited about the asteroid that will be named after him.

"It's really cool. Not everyone gets to win something like that," he said.


Miguel Arnold Reyes (left) and Angeli Joyce Dy bested more than a thousand students from 65 countries in the 2011 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair held in Los Angeles, California, USA. Nykko Santos
Another Pinoy winner

Meanwhile, sixteen-year-old Angeli Joyce Dy of Capiz National High School also won fourth place in the Biochemistry category at the Intel ISEF for her research on milkfish serum as an alternative supplement for the culture of human lung and colon carcinoma cells.

Dy took home $500 (approximately P21,000) for her research.

The Intel ISEF is an annual science competition organized by the Society for Science and the Public, which provides a venue for high school students from different countries to showcase their independent research.

Both Reyes and Dy bested more than 1,500 other young scientists from 65 countries.

'Give something back to your country'

At a press conference on Tuesday, Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Alberto Muyot encouraged young scientists to pursue their interest in the sciences, saying that the future of the country relies heavily on science and technology.

"I hope I still see the same enthusiasm and sparkle from you 30 years from now. The country really needs you," he said.

Muyot said the DepEd intends to track gifted students like Reyes and Dy to see if students like them would pursue careers here or abroad.

"(You are) part of the selected and privileged few who are exposed to the sciences," he said. "Whatever you do, never forget that this country has high expectations from you. Give something back to your country."

"You are the nerds, but you are the future of the country," he jokingly added.

Reyes said he understands that the lack of facilities for science research in the country may be pushing other scientists to work overseas.

However, Reyes said he intends to stay in the country to pursue physics and eventually specialize in astrophysics.

Meanwhile, Dy said she will definitely stay in the country because of the Filipino culture.

"This experience taught me a lot (about) different cultures and for me, being a Filipino is still the best," she said.

source: gmanews.tv