Alice P., a 2004 graduate of Baton Rouge Magnet High School, was one of two delegates selected to represent Louisiana at the National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) this summer.  She was one of 97 high school graduates from across the country who participated in the four-week program.  In its 41st year, the NYSC was held in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.  It merges aspects of science, outdoors, arts, and music into a complete learning experience.

Eminent scientists from all disciplines travel to the camp to offer lectures and directed studies.  This year's lecture topics included renewable energy, breast cancer, neural networks, structural engineering, and genetics.  The directed studies provided extensive hands-on experience in specific fields.  Delegates may also dissect a human hand, build their own computer, explore a bog, or plan a mission to Mars.

Alice is planning to study electrical engineering and computer science at Stanford University.  At NYSC, she used physics, circuit design, and soldering techniques to construct a basic amplifier circuit and audio speaker.

Delegates not only learn about groundbreaking scientific research, but also explore the surroundings offered through the extensive outdoor program of hiking, caving, mountain biking, rock climbing, and kayaking.  In addition, delegates choose daily from an array of seminars including ultimate Frisbee, glass etching, swing dancing, and discussions on philosophy, science, religion, and culture.