Massachusetts Institute of Technology Names Minor Planet After Detroit Country Day School Student
By: Identity Team
Michael Shao recognized by MIT Lincoln Laboratory
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., June 19, 2014– Detroit Country Day School (DCDS), an independent, non-denominational, college preparatory school, announced today that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory has named a minor planet after DCDS Junior Michael Shao in recognition of his achievements in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. DCDS Headmaster Glen Shilling made the announcement.
Each year, the Lincoln Near Earth Asteroid Research, an MIT Lincoln Laboratory program, honors a select group of outstanding students and teachers with a minor planet named after them through their Ceres Connection program, which is a community outreach initiative to promote science education in fifth through 12th grades. Fewer than 15,000 people have received this honor, where honorees are judged by a 15-person committee, which includes professional astronomers from around the world.
This summer, Shao will attend the Research Science Institute at MIT. This highly competitive summer research program selects 80 high school seniors from around the world for on-campus work in scientific theory and off-campus work in scientific and engineer research.
In last year’s Intel Science and Engineering Fair Awards, Shao received a Best of Category for animal science and a first place award for his project, titled “Toward Understanding the Neural Circuitry Regulating Cold Sensitivity in C. elegans.” Shao’s project, which analyzed a worm’s simple nervous system, was selected from those of 1,600 young scientists competing in the program from more than 70 countries, making him one of the top student scientists in the world.
“We are very proud of Michael and this accomplishment. His natural enthusiasm for learning that has led to multiple academic successes including this exciting honor,” said Shilling.
To download a photo of Michael Shao, please click below.
Detroit Country Day School offers students from preschool through high school an exemplary education rooted in academic vigor and a commitment to the full development of each student’s potential. The school is an independent, coeducational, non-denominational, college preparatory school nationally recognized for excellence in academics, athletics and the fine and performing arts. Founded in 1914 by F. Alden Shaw, Detroit Country Day School today enrolls more than 1,500 students on four campuses located in Beverly Hills and Bloomfield Township, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.dcds.edu.
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