TINIAN — Stephanie Diaz, a current senior at Tinian High School, has made remarkable achievements in the STEM field as a student. As a finalist in the prestigious National STEM Festival, Diaz has demonstrated exceptional dedication to scientific research. She is also an active participant in the Step-Up Program, mentored by Dr. Conrado Kiyoshi, a science teacher at Tinian High School.
Recounting her Step-Up experience, she quotes, “My step-up experience in two words was fun and educational. On the educational side, I gained a deeper understanding of research, especially the challenges of conducting it on an island with limited resources. Without access to advanced stuff like tools or technologies, we had to think creatively and make the most of what was available. As for the fun, those challenges became very rewarding. The hard work that Dr. Conrad and I poured into our project paid off in ways I never imagined. Not only did we earn a trip to the National Institutes of Health in Maryland, but we also had the chance to meet with other brilliant minds and learn more about the world of science.”
In the Step-up program, Diaz conducted research on cultivating a type of zooplankton called Brachionus rotundiformis. With a batch provided by Northern Marianas College, she conducted experiments on their conditions of living. “This type of zooplankton is a marine rotifer and they are very tiny. They are invisible to the naked eye, so you need a microscope to observe them. In our experiment, we focused on changing the environmental conditions these rotifers lived in. Specifically, we tested different salinity levels and different water temperatures. We conducted tests, gathered results, and analyzed the data, and we were able to see how rotifers living in different conditions can impact their population growth. What we found interesting was that rotifers grown in warmer water temperatures not only increased their population growth but also made them smaller and thinner. Hopefully, I will be able to learn more about this project or continue it on in the future because it’s pretty interesting.”
When asked about her future goals in the field of science, Diaz shared that she looks forward to entering the scientific research field. “I knew I always wanted to pursue a career in science, but it wasn’t until STEP-UP that made me want to pursue a career in research. During my trip to Maryland, one thing that I took away is that as a researcher, the discoveries you find don’t just benefit one person, it can really positively impact communities and maybe even the global population.”
Additionally, Diaz recounted how participating in various STEM programs have equipped her with valuable life skills and lessons. “Academically, these programs have been very rewarding. I feel like living on an island with limited STEM-focused opportunities and being able to participate in science-related activities has been a privilege and a stepping stone for my future goals. Beyond academics, these programs have also made me gain many skills. They’ve helped me with skills that are invaluable not only for my future career but also for achieving my everyday goals. I feel like these experiences have equipped me with valuable lessons that I will continue to carry with me, even after high school.”
Diaz stands as an inspiration to other students who aim to make it big in the science world. Her journey exemplifies hard work and determination, proving that with resilience, barriers can be broken and opportunities can be created.
Stephanie Diaz is a recipient of several awards for her accomplishments and in JROTC.
Stephanie Diaz received ribbons for perfect attendance, academic excellence, personal appearance, n-3-12, n-3-15, n-1-7, n-1-9, and an NHS cord.
