GiS Spotlight: Junior Scientists Dominic Patsy and Jack FitzGibbon
The Junior Scientist Award recognizes the top five outstanding proposals by middle school teams. Dominic Patsy (14) and Jack FitzGibbon (14) attend Glenwood Middle School in Maryland. Their teacher, Alicia Oelfke, turned Genes in Space into an extracurricular activity for some of her students. Here Dominic and Jack share some insights from their Genes in Space experience.
Briefly explain your experiment:
To test the effects of cosmic radiation and
micro-gravity on the bacteria called Candidatus Methylomirabilis Oxyfera, which
produces oxygen.
Why did you choose to participate in Genes in Space?
We chose to participate in Genes in Space because we were both interested in the topic. Also, it was a challenge and an opportunity to learn more about genetics.
How did you choose your topic?
Jack knew about a certain bacteria that produces oxygen and we thought it would be a good idea to research.
What did you gain by participating in Genes in Space?
We gained
knowledge of the Candidatus Methylomirabilis Oxyfera bacteria, radiation in
Space, and much more. We also gained more practice and skill at researching.
Do you have any advice for future Genes in Space contestants?
Do not procrastinate on working on your project, and put as much effort into it as possible. Also, start as soon as you can so you have plenty of time to research your idea, develop answers to the prompts, and edit your work.
Congratulations to Jack and Dominic from the Genes in Space team!
