Jason Zabel, a rising junior at Kempsville High School, was selected to take part in this summer’s Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders. The three-day event in Boston, Massachusetts is an honors-only program for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).
The event is hosted by The National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists, and, according to the organization, the purpose of the summer congress is “to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be scientists and technologists, to stay true to their dream and, after the event, to provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goal.”
In order to be considered, Zabel had to be nominated – and his nomination came from none other than famed astronaut, Buzz Aldrin. Aldrin, who serves as the science director of the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists, nominated Zabel to represent Virginia based on his academic achievement, leadership potential and passion for science and technology.
“This is a crucial time in America when we need more nimble-minded and creative scientists and technologists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially,” Richard Rossi, executive director of the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists, said in a press release. “Focused, bright and determined students like Jason Zabel are our future and he deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give him.”
During the three-day congress, Zabel joined students from across the country to hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science Winners talk about leading scientific research, receive advice from deans of the world’s top tech universities and learn about cutting-edge advances and the future of science and technology.
For more information about the program, visit the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists website.