For the love of science
Students from area high schools pose with Fermilab engineer Maurice Ball (left) and scientist Herman White. Students from nine schools visited the laboratory as part of an open house on Wednesday, Feb. 18.
It probably isn't very often that a group of teenagers hears an authority telling them to make love-to algebra. But that's exactly what Fermilab mechanical engineer Maurice Ball told high school students at the "High Energy.High Ambitions" open house at Fermilab last Wednesday.
"You've got to feel it," Ball said. "Professionals become really good at what they do because they embrace it."
Ball was part of a panel of Fermilab scientists from under-represented minority groups at a Black History Month presentation at Fermilab for about 230 students from nine area high schools.
"I'm here to tell you that if I can get a B.S. and an M.S. in mechanical engineering, any of you students here today have the potential to be just as successful," said Ball, who is black. He struggled early on in school, but credits his inquisitiveness with carrying him through. "When teachers see curiosity, they'll work with you."
Ball was also fortunate to have his father, also an engineer, as a role model. Wednesday's event was designed to encourage students without current role model and help them envision a path to success.
"Anybody can be a role model, but if students see someone who looks like them, it increases their attention," Ball said.
He saw a lot of attentive faces in the audience.
Rosa Huerta, a 16-year-old junior from Bolingbrook High School, said she felt more motivated to pursue a career in chemistry after the presentation. "You can see it takes a lot of work but in the end it pays off. You can really change the world," Huerta said.
Her parents, immigrants from Mexico, never went to school. But that just makes her want to try harder, she said. "Even if your parents aren't doctors or scientists, you can pursue your dreams," Huerta said.
-- Kristine Crane |
Sunny
