Thomas Sumner
The DuPont Challenge 2008
Finalist, Senior Division
Redondo Union High School
Redondo Beach, CA
Essay Title: Physical Cosmology and the Humble Triangle
Teacher: David Vakil
What are you doing now?
After dipping my toes in the world of physics, I combined my passions for science and writing and am now a science journalist covering the Earth Sciences beat for Science News.
Where did you go to college and what was your major?
I graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in physics before jumping into the school’s science communication graduate program.
Do you think taking The DuPont Challenge was a meaningful experience?
While I didn’t realize it at the time, The DuPont Challenge was my first foray into the world of science writing. Effective science communication is both challenging and important. The universe around us is filled with mysteries, wonders, and possibilities. Science writing connects all of us to the thrilling moments of excitement scientists feel when they make a new discovery or solve an age-old problem. The DuPont Challenge showed me that my loves of science and writing could converge.
Why would you say science education is important, and what role has it played in your life?
Our world is the result of centuries of scientific endeavors. A modern science classroom is the perfect place to soak up that history of discovery and ponder what important contribution you could one day make to our growing understanding of life, the universe, and everything. At first I thought I wanted to be a scientist and make new discoveries, but I instead discovered a passion for sharing science with others.
Do you have any advice for future entrants?
The danger isn’t not knowing something, it’s thinking you know something when you don’t. Never be afraid to stick your neck out and ask a dumb question.