Student Spotlight on Samantha Blais

Samantha started the Timberlane Regional High School Science Olympiad program last year and since then has competed in events like Dynamic Planet, Water Quality, Code Busters, and Astronomy. Her favorite thing about Science Olympiad is "learning about interesting topics much more in-depth than [she] ever has before." For Samantha, this especially applies towards the topic of astronomy which is something she's been interested in for a long time but hadn't gotten to explore quite so thoroughly before. Samantha recognizes that the Science Olympiad program is a valuable experience and she hopes to further expand the team at her high school and hopefully start a team at her district's middle school next year as well. When asked how the program has influenced her goals for the future, Samantha explained, "Science Olympiad has definitely confirmed that I want to do something in STEM when I am older, however, I am constantly flip-flopping between going into an astronomy-related field or engineering." Keep up the great work, Samantha!

Interview Lightning Round:
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
"If I could travel anywhere it would be France during the late spring (I really want to watch the French Open in real life"

What is your favorite animal?
"Seals"

What is your dream job?
"At the moment it's an electrical engineer"

What is your favorite snack?
"Reese's Pieces"

If you could meet anyone who has ever lived, who would it be?

"Neil DeGrasse Tyson"

Student Spotlight on Varun Lingadal

Varun has been a member of the Nashua North Science Olympiad team since his freshman year. He has participated and medaled in Anatomy & Physiology, Towers, Helicopters, Herpetology, and Geomapping. His favorite part of being a Science Olympian is getting to meet other students during the event who are also dedicated to science and always curious and eager to learn more. Varun says that his participation in events relating to biology, such as Anatomy & Physiology and Cell Bio, have only reinforced his motivation to continue pursuing a path in this field. The Nashua North team coach, Samantha Bencivenga, says that Varun, "has been a pillar of the team for several years. He is intelligent and driven and has a scientific interest and ability that is not often seen." Great work, Varun!

Interview Lightning Round:
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
"Hawaii, there are so many activities to enjoy while I would also get the chance to relax and enjoy a tropical paradise. At the same time, it's amazing to see how the geography and climate of Hawaii island change so drastically in the course of a short period."

What is your favorite book?
"The Arm -- Jeff Passan"

Who is your favorite superhero?
"Batman"

What is your favorite snack?
"Cape Cod Chips or Swedish Fish"

What is your dream job?
"Working as a physician, with the chance to directly interact with and help treat patients"