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What have you been doing since YSC?
I have been very driven to continue to do well in everything involving science. I have competed in the state- and regional-level science fairs every year since sixth grade. I have also enrolled in every possible honors class offered at my high school. Since YSC, I learned that the patent I applied for with my project, "A Better 'Weigh' for Horses," has been approved! There are still several more steps involved in acquiring the actual patent, but I am well on my way. This was by far the most exciting thing that has happened to me! (Just thinking that I came up with the idea for this patent when I was only 13 blows my mind.)
When you're not studying, what do you like to do?
When I'm not doing homework or other school-related activities, I enjoy training my hunter/jumper and western/reining horses. I stay busy most of the year attending horse shows every weekend, especially the Greater Oklahoma Hunter Jumper horse shows. For the 2003 show year in the state of Oklahoma, I came in second place for year-end point awards! This was also very exciting, since I work all year for this. This summer I started my own "horse-sitting" business, in which I take care of people's horses while they are gone.
How did participating in YSC affect you?
Participating in YSC has affected me in many ways. First, it has greatly boosted my confidence in every aspect of science. My attitude toward science is very energetic, and I think that this attitude also spreads to other people. It is also amazing to think of all the interesting scientists and other science-driven kids I met. We all got pretty close during the time that we competed. I will never forget YSC, the people involved with it, and the confidence it has given me!
What are your career goals?
Right now I am certain that my career will be in the scientific field. I have thought about being a small- or large-animal veterinarian or a research scientist. Science has affected me in so many ways that I can't imagine not being involved with science-related fields for the rest of my life.
What's your favorite memory of YSC?
I think that my favorite memory of YSC was just hanging out with all the people. It was awesome to be around other kids who enjoyed science as much as I did, and there wasn't any kind of pressure involved for liking science so much! I will never forget all the fun times we had.
How did you first become interested in science?
I first became interested in science in sixth grade. Until that point in my academic career, my teachers made science seem monotonous and boring, but Mrs. McCawley just had a way of making science an adventure. Ever since, I have been so geared for science, and I feel that nothing can stop me from doing what I love—science.
Who is your science hero and why?
My science heroes are my science teachers from my freshman and sophomore years: Mr. Keilty and Mr. Cook. They were both so knowledgeable about all aspects of science, and they taught me so many things! I hope that some day I can be as enthusiastic and encouraging as they were to me.
What advice would you offer to someone hoping to participate in YSC?
I would tell people hoping to participate in YSC not to be intimidated by anything. If they dream it, they can achieve it—the sky is the limit. YSC is such an opportunity, and they should use it to their complete advantage.
Age: 17
Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma
School: Mount St. Mary High School
YSC Class: 1999 and 2000
Alyssa won the "Emergency Vet" award in the 2000 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge (YSC). Her dream science trip took her to Alameda East Veterinary Hospital in Denver, Colorado.
