Inspire a Future Scientist 4-H Contest

Claire Seiler is a 16 year-old member of 4-H and a junior at Notre Dame Academy in Toledo, Ohio. She has also been a member of 4-H for the last 10 years, and was encouraged to join by her father (who joined 4-H when he was young) and mother, who both felt it would be a great experience for her.

In part through her participation in 4-H, Claire has developed a love of science. It was this love, and her involvement in 4-H that caused her to enter the "Inspire a Future Scientist" video contest, sponsored by National 4-H Council and HughesNet, where she won the runner-up prize, which includes a trip to Washington, DC to attend the 4-H National Youth Science Day national event.For the contest, Claire submitted a 15-second video explaining why she loves science. In it, she said that it's the unpredictability inherent in science that excites her and makes her want to learn more about it.

There is also a very personal reason why Claire is drawn to science. She is battling Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a non life-threatening, yet painful disorder affecting connective tissue and collagen production. While she only had joint pain and loose joints until puberty, she now experiences migraines, extreme fatigue, palpitations, etc. This means that she is sometimes unable to attend classes or after-school activities.

But, instead of letting this disorder ruin her life, Claire is motivated to help find a cure. She and her family helped create a local support for others affected with Ehlers-Danlos. Her participation in 4-H is helping the cause, as well. She recently undertook a self-directed project, where she created a display containing information on Ehlers-Danlos that has helped people learn more about the disorder.

Claire is committed to helping find a cure for Ehlers-Danlos. She hopes to obtain an internship at the National Institutes of Health. Upon graduating high school, she also would like to pursue college degrees in biomedical engineering and molecular biology.

In her spare time, Claire plays lacrosse for both her high school and a traveling team and is involved in robotics. She is also a member of her high school's Social Justice Alliance, and she helps with sports equipment drives. She lives in Bowling Green, OH with her parents and has an older sister who is currently attending The University of Akron.

I had the chance to interview Claire and Artis Stevens, senior vice president, Marketing and Brand at National 4-H Council, about the contest.