By Delaney McLinden '18
Amber Yang, a young scientist, innovator, and Trinity Prep senior, will deliver a TED talk at the TEDxJacksonville's Fear Less Conference on Oct. 22, when she plans to talk about her research experience and story as a high school student, as well as the importance of promoting girls in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
"My hope is that by speaking at TEDxJacksonville, I can give just one more girl the encouragement that she is not alone," said Amber.
Last May, Amber's work earned her second place at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona. She won an all-expense paid trip to CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, where she was a keynote speaker. Locally, Amber was awarded the Grand Prize award at the Florida State Science and Engineering Fair and was named an International Grand Prize Ying Scholar.
"Trinity Prep has given me a wonderful foundation that I needed for my research," says Amber. "But most importantly, Trinity Prep gave me the work ethic, determination, and curiosity to pursue challenges outside the classroom."
Amber's research project is entitled, "Orbital Recognition System for Space Debris Tracking, Using Artificial Neural Networks: A Journey from Inner-Brain GPS to Outer-Space GPS." She developed an artificial neural network system with the capability to detect, identify, and track the orbits of space debris in low-earth orbit to combat the increasing risk of space debris colliding with space vehicles. Her system has been proven ten times more effective than the ones currently in use. Her research is currently pending review for publication in Harvard University's Journal for Emerging Investigators. She has been recognized by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory.
On Sept. 8, Amber was interviewed on ABC's First Coast News. She spoke about the inspiration for her project, her research and hobbies, and her upcoming TEDx talk in Jacksonville. Congratulations, Amber!