Charleston, W.Va. – “I learned more from the presenters, staff, and fellow delegates than I [learned] all during quarantine.”
Giuliana Rivadeniera’s sentiment is not uncommon. The 2021 Ecuador delegate continued, “without a doubt, the best three and a half weeks I have ever had…I didn’t want it to end!”
In its third year adopting a virtual format, the 2022 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) recently opened its Zoom rooms to 120 high-achieving high school seniors and graduates from over 40 states and 12 countries. Hosted in West Virginia since 1963, the virtual format and a grant from the U.S. State Department’s Education and Cultural Affairs division has expanded this world class STEM program to fifty international delegates from other Western Hemisphere nations.
This year’s programming includes 15 keynote lectures, virtual tours of the Green Bank Observatory and National Gallery of Art, and over 350 interactive sessions and special events. Speakers hail from the highest ranks of institutes and organizations including YouTube, NASA, Harvard Medical School, the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Jessica Frey, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology at West Virginia University, and 2008 Pa. NYSCamp delegate, kicked off the 2022 program.
Ahead of opening night she shared, “I am honored to be presenting the Martha Wehrle opening lecture which will focus on the exciting world of neuromodulation, which is an evolving field revolutionizing the way we think about neurologic recovery and rehabilitation. I am extremely excited to connect with the 2022 NYSCamp delegates and I hope to inspire them to pursue their passions and dreams in much the same way the NYSCamp inspired me.”
Between Mon., June 27 and Wed., July 20 additional programming includes:
- Rahul Gupta, MD, Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, presenting the lecture STEM and Drug Control Policy
- Julie Robinson, PhD, NASA’s Deputy Director for Earth Science, presenting the lecture Preparing for Human Missions to Mars: Strategy for using ISS and Artemis as Analogs.
- Jake Rosen, YouTube’s Global Head of Integrated Insights and Measurement, speaking on the panel topic How Data Informs Digital and Social Media Strategy
- Sydnee McElroy, MD, a Marshall Health Family Physician and co-host of the 300+ episode medical misadventure podcast Sawbones, presenting Science Communication and Podcasting
Emily Jolley (2020, Utah) said “[The virtual] NYSCamp is a totally unique experience, and it will teach you so much, not only about science but about forming relationships and the world in general.” Marie Hernandez (2021, Trinidad and Tobago) added, “The team at the NYSCamp has shown us that making an amazing, fun, and engaging virtual camp is indeed possible.”
Since its inception in 1963 as part of West Virginia’s Centennial, the NYSCamp has honored over 6,200 students, giving them the opportunity to participate in a rigorous STEM enrichment program. Operated by the National Youth Science Foundation, its mission is to inspire lifelong engagement and ethical leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through its proven educational model for mentoring, challenging, and motivating students.
“The 2022 NYSCamp will be a life-changing and horizon-expanding opportunity for each of our delegates,” said NYSCamp Director, Brian Kinghorn, Ph.D. “They are among the best and brightest STEM students in the Western Hemisphere and deserve to be recognized for their accomplishments and their potential for future achievements and leadership. The virtual camp will provide them with opportunities to interact with STEM experts, build lasting friendships, and get a jump start on changing the world for good.”
For inquiries, photos, and interviews, please contact Delaney Rose “DR” Ahrens, Director of External Relations and Development, at communications@nysf.com.