Foreword
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology was built upon the premise of scientific and technological understanding, learning, and the prospect of discovery. Science and technology runs through the veins of our students, our faculty, and our school. This culture of scientific learning has allowed TJ to be at the forefront of technological research that is unparalleled by any other high school around the world. Our students are nationally and internationally recognized for their achievements in a myriad of contexts such as Regeneron, ISEF, and AMT. With their research tackling real-world problems, TJ students are prepared to enter the global community as bright, dedicated innovators who will change the world for the better.
The teachers of TJ are paramount to fostering a rich educational environment and opportunities for advancement, but it is our students who take the reins. Every day I find myself amazed to teach such an innovative force of students. I am honored and humbled to to guide young men and women who will go on to impact the world in ways that I can only dream of. This journal is a testament to our students’ unyielding dedication to their research. It represents an amazing feat by our students who continue to excel even in the face of the extreme adversity that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented.
The world is facing a health scare of a magnitude that we have never seen before in our lifetime. It is impacting the world in tragic and heartbreaking ways, but the scientists of the world are working tirelessly to innovate at record breaking speeds in order to show us a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. Our students will be these scientists in the future. They will be the ones who make breakthrough discoveries that guide us out of uncertain times. Our students make me hopeful for our future, and this is a success that should be celebrated.
School is closed prematurely and our lives are in a state of disarray and confusion -- and yet the student editorial staff rose to the challenge by producing this journal. It is a tremendous accomplishment on their part that should not go unrecognized. I am proud to be part of the Teknos team, and I am excited to see which road our evergrowing journal will take next.
While we face uncertain times, please remember that there is always hope and light lurking in the corner.
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
- J.K Rowling
Paul Kosek Sponsor of Teknos Science Journal Director of the TJHSST Mobile and Web Application Development Lab