Detroit Country Day's Shao Among World's Top Young Scientists

Birmingham Patch regularly features students doing amazing things. This week's Whiz Kid is a budding scientist who was recently considered among the top-20 young scientific minds in the world following his performance at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, presented by the Society for Science and the Public.

Michael Shao

Hometown: Northville 
Age: 16
School: Detroit Country Day 
Accomplishment: Named one of the top 17 young scientists in the world after winning the 2013 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in the Animal Sciences category. His project, titled “Toward Understanding the Neural Circuitry Regulating Cold Sensitivity in C. elegans,” analyzed a worm’s simple nervous system and its response to cold temperatures. It was among roughly 1,600 projects at the fair from students representing more than 70 countries.
Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?): 
“It was a pleasure to have Michael in class this past school year. He was an excellent, diligent student," said Dr. Patricia Hanlan, a physics and astronomy teacher at Detroit Country Day. "Michael’s attention to detail, which was an important part of his science fair project, was very apparent in his work.  His willingness to find and correct any errors ensured that no concept was missed and showed glimpses of the young scientist emerging in Michael.”

Do you know our next Whiz Kid?

Birmingham Patch welcomes suggestions for students, youth groups and even sports teams who wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about amazing children and teens and select one each week as Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or email the information to editor Art.Aisner@patch.com. Please include all these details: