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Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Patricia Tyson

This week, Marple Newtown Patch highlights science whiz Patricia Tyson, a recently graduated senior from Episcopal Academy

Each week, Marple Newtown Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. This week we highlight Vanderbilt-bound college freshman and recently graduated EA senior Patricia Tyson, whose science project was recognized by the state with a perfect score.

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Patricia Noel Tyson

Whiz Kid's Age: 18

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Whiz Kid's School:  / Vanderbilt University

Whiz Kid's Accomplishment: Patricia's science project–the study of human skin strains and to determine how skin ages–received a perfect score and placed first in the regional competition of the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS).

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This is Patricia's second time participating in the prestigious science competition and won the regional round both times. Though her involvement at Episcopal's crew team–the biggest crew regatta happens to fall the same weekend as the PJAS competitions each year–has competed against her from entering the state competition with her science project, Patricia was received the 1A recognition, a student talent search in science as part of the PJAS competition.

PJAS is a statewide organization of junior and senior high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations.

Whiz Kid's Awesomeness: "I've always wanted to be biologist," shared Patricia.

Science may have come rather naturally for Patricia, who has a couple of family members in the field.

"My grandmother was always interested in science and my dad was a physicist. He kind of pushed me into science but I know he pushed me towards hat I was good at," said Patricia. (Patricia's father, who is the CEO of Trillion Cameras, helped donate the cameras for Patricia's science project.)

Patricia has come a long way since her first 3-D cell model project in the third grade. She recalled it as a "struggle" but "really fun."

This fall, Patricia hopes to study medicine and health society or biology but isn't quite sure yet. What she does know is that she'd like to be involved in science but utilizing science to help people and to make a social impact in the future. 

"Women suffrage around the world is something I've really bee interested in and something I would be really good advocating for," said Patricia. "I want to use biology to help people but I don't really know yet."

According to Patricia, working hard and giving back has always been something that has been instilled in her at an early age.

"My dad started his company from nothing and started it in our basement. He worked really hard for what it is today. I think the virtues of always working hard had always been instilled in me," shared Patricia. "This summer, I'm volunteering at an animal rescue and non-profit organization working with inner-city kids for rowing to help them get into college. I do what I can by donating time at this point."

For the past four years, Patricia has been rowing for Episcopal's crew team and hopes to continue the sport at Vanderbilt. 

Some of the things she's looking forward to this fall at college include meeting new people. "That is number one," said Patricia. "I think meeting new people is crucial and making new connections."

She's also excited to see a different part of the US and living in Tennessee for the next four years.

"That would be really cool for me. I've lived in Wayne my whole life," said Patricia. "I'm really open and looking forward to taking hold of the opportunities to be out there and to travel more. I'm really excited to go to Vanderbilt. I'm very fortunate to have that opportunity."


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