Local student and budding scientist Pierce Eggan was one of only 19 American students chosen to attend the summer science program at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, one of the world’s foremost centers of scientific research and graduate study.
Pierce, a college-bound Fairfax Station resident, graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) and applied for the ISSI program because of the combination it offered for researching at a world class institution and the ability to explore Israel. Now having completed the program, Pierce is available to speak about his experience at Weizmann and his plans for the future.
“I think that probably the most valuable thing that I have gained from my summer at Weizmann was the opportunity to meet and become friends with students from around the world who also share in my passion for scientific research. It makes me realize the importance of having an international community of scientists and having the possibility of collaborating with scientists not just from here in America,” Eggan said about his experience.
“This summer has helped me specifically expand my biological research skills and also broadened my interest in areas of science outside of biology, such as nanotechnology and physics,” he added. “Over the course of my research I learned how to use techniques like two-photon microscopy and fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS). I know that as a result of my time in Israel that Weizmann is definitely a great place to do research and would certainly consider future opportunities to work or study there.”