Kaitlyn Arst, junior, has received recognition due to her involvement in science fairs and competitions. Arst won First Runner-Up at National History Day California held in Rocklin, CA, and received a prize for her science fair project.

“I was excited to win First Runner-Up but also kind of disappointed because a lot of people expected me to win,” Arst said.

Along with her accomplishment in National History Day California, Arst participated in the Los Angeles County Science Fair.

“I built a thing that helps grow plants,” Arst said. “It’s a hydroponic plant system. It grows plants without soil because lots of contaminants go into soil. It’s healthier for plants.”

The only other Daniel Pearl Magnet High School student to participate in the science fair is Arst’s sister, Amanda.

Arst received recognition in the science fair which took place on March 23-26.

“I would tell competing students to relax when they present.” she said. “The judges don’t judge you based on the way you present. They judge you based on your information.”

As a prize for her science fair project, Arst chose the Earthwatch Student Fellowship Shark Conservation in Belize Exhibition which will take place in the summer.

“She’s a shark, why wouldn’t she choose that?” science teacher Stephen Schaffter said. “She’s going to go swimming with the sharks. It’s like being on campus here everyday.”

The goal of the research in Belize is to determine if marine reserves are effective for enhancing shark populations and investigating sharks’ effects on coral reefs. Belize was once filled with sharks due to its coral reef. An increase in shark fishing caused a decrease in the population. The collapse can have a significant effect on the health of the marine ecosystem.

Students involved with this fellowship will participate in activities such as catching and releasing sharks and stingrays, snorkeling, gear preparation and maintenance, collection of bait and receiver recovery.
“We’re always very proud of what she does,” Schaffter said. “She doesn’t come to me with her topics. It’s all done on her own so that’s even more of an accomplishment.”