Meg Boyle
The DuPont Challenge 2000
First Place, Senior Division
Maine-Endwell Senior High School
Endwell, NY
Essay Title: Tied up with String: The Attempt to Answer Einstein’s Final Question
Teacher: Barbara Betza
What are you doing now?
I am currently living in Washington, DC, but am relocating to Seattle to start a graduate program in public administration at the University of Washington this fall. I have been active on climate change for the past several years, focusing on promoting equitable, science-based policy solutions at the international climate negotiations and on youth leadership development and coalition building in the United States. I am currently working on convening a citizen summit on climate change. I am most proud of being a co-founder of theEnergy Action Coalition.
Where did you go to college, and what was your experience like?
I have a degree in biology and environmental studies from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, where I had a tremendous experience. I also studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark.
At Bowdoin, I was active in the environmental studies department, on campus sustainability initiatives, and in co-founding regional and national climate initiatives off campus. In my junior year, I received a Udall Scholarship, which honors the legacy of Morris K. Udall (a U.S. Congressman who championed environmental causes) and recognizes young leaders committed to careers in the environment, health care, and tribal public policy. I also completed internships at the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center and the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island, New Brunswick.
Having The DuPont Challenge on my resume helped open doors to these opportunities and gave me the confidence to pursue them. Combined with my team’s achievements in the National Science Olympiad, my award in The DuPont Challenge helped make me a top candidate for admission and financial support at Bowdoin (my dream school!). If you spend time on your essay it will be a strong piece of work that you can include in your college applications as a writing sample—whether you receive an award in the competition or not. You will stand out as a candidate who is already capable of independent academic research.
Did you continue to pursue any of the science interests you had when you took The DuPont Challenge?
For me, part of the draw of The DuPont Challenge was that it allowed me to explore a topic I did not know much about. I knew I wanted to pursue a biology degree, but writing about an astronomy- and physics-related topic was a fun opportunity to explore another interest and learn something new.
Topic aside, science and science writing continue to play a very important role in my life. In my current focus on climate policy, I am able to lend my rigorous science background to the climate advocacy community to help distinguish between politically driven science and truly science-driven policies. My science background also helps me to clearly communicate the issue of climate change to the public and to better “translate” between scientists, policy makers, the media, the public, etc., in climate policy debates.
What were some of your favorite memories from the competition or awards trip?
I remember the day during my junior year when I got the news I would be going on the awards trip, because I was called out of class to the superintendent’s office—I was wondering if I was in trouble! When I got back to class, they were in the middle of silent reading time… Needless to say, it was hard to sit quietly that day.
As for my favorite memories from the trip, there are too many to list. My teacher, Mrs. Betza, was and is a real role model for me, as is her husband, my former Science Olympiad coach Mr. Betza. It meant a lot to me to be able to share the awards trip with them, as well as with my mom. It is impossible to thank my parents enough for all the support, love—and patience!—they have given me over the years, and having my mom on the trip was a nice celebration of the fact that my success was theirs as well.
I have always been interested in astronomy, so the opportunity to go behind the scenes at NASA in Houston and meet astronaut Rex Walheim and cutting-edge scientists like Dr. Kathie Thomas-Keprta and Dr. Everett Gibson was very special to me.
Finally, it was great to meet the staff who work so hard behind the scenes to make The DuPont Challenge and the awards trip happen. Everyone was warm and welcoming, and I have especially fond memories of an absolutely scrumptious Italian dinner the group shared at the Villa Capri restaurant in Seabrook. It is still my favorite restaurant to this day; a few years ago I was back in Houston on a work trip and took a colleague there for dinner. If you’re in the Houston area, give it a try!
Have you stayed in touch with any other past winners?
When I was part of The DuPont Challenge, 1—2 students from each division participated in the awards trip, and Facebook didn’t even exist! I am excited to see that The DuPont Challenge is really focusing on building a community online and has expanded participation in the awards trip. On my awards trip, I really enjoyed meeting Sarah LaCour from the senior division and Luke Marion from the junior division, as well as their teachers and families.
Do you have any advice for future entrants?
As a science writer, you have a special responsibility to be as accurate as possible and to get the facts right. You do not need to know everything about your topic, but remember to read your sources closely and reference them in your writing, make note of any current scientific debates surrounding your topic. Choose your words carefully, proofread your work, and have someone who works in the field read your essay over if you can.
Last but not least, remember to have fun and write an essay you will be proud of no matter how things turn out. Pick a topic you enjoy rather than one you think you should write about because it will impress the judges the most. I enjoy reading the winning essay excerpts every year, and when the writer is interested in their topic, their energy and depth of inquiry shine through. If you are excited to learn about and write about a topic, chances are that I (and the judges) will be excited to read your essay, too.
Is there anything else you want to say about The DuPont Challenge?
Thank you for a truly life-changing experience. I hope The DuPont Challenge is around for at least another 25 years!