Sara Set for BT Young Scientist 2021 Finals

Sara Hamilton (18), from Bangor will be flying the flag for @S_ERC in this years’ prestigious BT Young Scientist (@BTYSTE) competition.  The student is one of 1000 students from across the island of Ireland who is set to exhibit in the 57th competition which is virtual this year.

Sara, a second-year student on the BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science at the College’s Bangor Campus is delighted to be taking part.   She said, “I was keen to take part but worried what it might look like because it is virtual this year, but I have been very impressed by everything including the portal where my project is hosted so people can visit my ‘stand’ (1307) and see my video presentation.

Sara’s project investigates the link between Cardiovascular Disease and individuals’ weight.   She said, “My interest in this area stemmed from another project. My lecturer, Jonathan Cash, suggested further research and development would result in a good submission for BT Young Scientist.    I have been working on it from last summer so am really pleased it was selected as a finalist Individual Senior project for the Biological and Ecological category.

She added, “Getting involved in the competition has been a real learning curve.   Not only have I deepened my understanding of Cardiovascular Disease, but I have improved my digital skills by producing and editing my own video presentation which you can see on the portal along with all my documentation.

Sara, came to SERC after studying for her GCSEs at Regent House Grammar School.   She said, “Both my mum and dad had studied at SERC so they were happy for me to move on to college following GCSEs. A friend of mine had completed the course and she was full of paise for the lecturers and the course and I am so glad I came as it was definitely the right pathway for me.”

Sara will be taking part in Round 1 and Round 2 interviews with judges on 6th January and we wish her all the very best.

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition runs from 6th – 8th January 2021. The virtual exhibition has been designed by organisers to enable competing second-level students, and the judging panel, to access the online platform from home or their preferred location.

Visitors can access the virtual exhibition, free of charge, and view the qualified projects, exhibitor stands, educational events and special acts.