John C. Prieschl, who is starting his senior year at the King’s Academy, recently completed the 60th annual University of Florida Student Science Training Program held June 10 through July 27.
The UF-SSTP is a seven-week residential research participation program for academically talented, upper-level high school students interested in pursuing a career in a STEM field.
Prieschl worked 30 hours each week alongside a UF faculty mentor providing the opportunity to engage in an authentic laboratory experience. He participated in an interdisciplinary lecture series, which allowed him to interact with eminent scientists, engineers and scholars.
Prieschl earned six credit hours through the program, which focused on technical writing and professional communication skills, leadership development activities, educational field trips, service-learning, career exploration, social events and recreational opportunities.
Prieschl worked with Dr. Daniel Ferris in the College of Engineering on work entitled “The Effects of Exoskeleton Mass on Embodiment Using Unpowered Pneumatic Muscles.” In addition to the active participation in the research lab, Prieschl wrote critical thinking papers, presented two science talks, created a science research poster and completed a research paper based upon work done in the laboratory.
After completing the Engineering Track at TKA’s new Boswell Science & Technology Center, Prieschl will earn a special distinction on his diploma. He hopes to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering in college and work specifically on exoskeleton projects.
The King’s Academy is a private Christian school serving approximately 1,500 students from preschool through 12th grade. More information about TKA is available online at www.tka.net.
