Gov. Holcomb Announces STEM Team Award Winners

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb, Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick and Treasurer Kelly Mitchell today announced the winners of the 2018 Governor’s STEM Team awards.

“Out of the many applications we received, these four students stood out for their hard work, focus and character. They have the determination and disposition to innovate and build our nation’s economic future,” Gov. Holcomb said. “It’s a pleasure to recognize these bright young Hoosiers.”

The awards highlight Indiana’s elite high school students for their work in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).Each winner received a $1,000 college scholarship through Indiana’s CollegeChoice 529 Direct Savings Plan and letterman jackets identifying them as members of the Governor’s STEM Team.

“The skills gained from opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math will be critical for the future of our students, communities, and our great state,” said Dr. Jennifer McCormick, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction. “I am excited to see the passion for STEM exhibited by Megan, Abraham, Trevor and John, and I am honored to be a part of the 2018 Governor’s STEM Team award ceremony.”

“STEM education is vital to developing Indiana’s workforce, and CollegeChoice 529 is helping young Hoosiers reach educational goals in these critical fields,” said Kelly Mitchell, Indiana Treasurer of State. “As chair of the CollegeChoice plans, I am delighted to help reward the outstanding students of the Governor’s STEM Team for their achievements.”

Four students—one from each of the four STEM subject areas—were honored in a ceremony today in the Governor’s Office.

Science Winner

Student:  John Dalloul

Attends:  Terre Haute High School, Senior

 Accomplishments:

During his high school career, John has demonstrated a deep interest in science, particularly chemistry and biology. He has participated in the Science Olympiad, Indiana Academic Superbowl, and Science Bowl. He is the vice president of the National Honor Society and conducts research in the Drosophila lab at Indiana State University. John has presented on his research at a number of local and national conferences, such as the Indiana Academy of Science and the National Drosophila Conference. John is a volunteer at the Providence Medical Center.

Future Plans:

John hopes to attend Stanford or Princeton University to study medicine and continue helping others.

Technology Winner

Student:  Abraham Oliver

Attends:  Brown County High School, Senior

Accomplishments:

Abraham is the valedictorian of his class. He is student council president, a member of the National Honor Society and the science captain on the Brown County Academic Team.

Abraham has a particular interest in computer science and programming. He develops custom machine learning systems in his work with Communicode and the Indiana University Computer Vision Lab. He presented his research on the Google Deepmind AlphaZero algorithm to the 2018 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

Future Plans:

Abraham has plans to attend Stanford University in the fall to study computer science and math. His future plans include becoming a computer science researcher and utilizing technology in policy.

Engineering Winner

Student:  Megan Singer

Attends:  Carmel High School, Senior

Accomplishments:

Megan is a member of the Carmel TechHOUNDS Robotics Team, National Honor Society, and Women in Technology. She has combined her interest in electrical engineering with creative design to make her own custom LED prom dresses. Megan has won many awards for her academic achievement, band and robotics. Aside from academics, Megan is also a volunteer and mentor for numerous organizations. She is the leader of the Electrical Division of the Carmel TechHounds and mentors the Westfield High School Sham-Rock-Botics team.

Future Plans:

Megan plans to attend Purdue University in the fall and follow in her father’s footsteps as an engineer.

Math Winner

Student:  Trevor Vogel

Attends:  Jennings County High School, Senior

Accomplishments:

Trevor is a member of the JCHS Career Association, National Honor Society and Jobs for America’s Graduates. He has participated in the school’s Academic Bowl competitions and received a state honorable mention in the Financial Literacy Contest. Trevor volunteers with the Foundation for Youth, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Future

Plans:Trevor plans to attend Indiana State University to study Mathematics. After earning a graduate degree, he hopes to share his knowledge in math as a professor at an Indiana college or university.

Students were nominated for the Governor’s STEM Team earlier this year, and a panel of STEM professionals, teachers and university representatives evaluated more than 100 applications to select the winners based on academic performance, work in research, leadership, community service and extracurricular involvement.