A senior at Pacific Horizons School Amelie Chen, has set history as the first student from American Samoa to win first place at the Hawaii Pacific Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.
Her pioneering research titled, “Science of Autonomy: Optimal Path Planning,” has revolutionized maritime navigation. By analyzing environmental factors such as ocean currents, vessel speed, and fuel efficiency, Amelie’s work identifies the most efficient travel routes. Utilizing advanced simulations with MATLAB and MobaXterm, her study highlights the critical role of adaptive path planning in improving navigation safety and energy efficiency.
The symposium was held January 18 and 19 at the University of Hawaii Hilo and KMC campus in Honolulu. Six other outstanding finalists from the 37th American Samoa High School Science Symposium also competed.
Amelie was awarded a $2,500 scholarship, and she will now advance to the national Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, which will be held in Chantily, Virginia, April 22-25.
Maefau Dr. Mary Taufete’e, Acting Director of the American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE), expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the educators, mentors, parents, sponsors, and supporters whose contributions made this success possible. She gave special recognition to the ASDOE Science/Health Division and the Division of Curriculum and Instruction (DCI) for organizing the High School Science Symposium for both public and private schools. This initiative was made possible through the generous funding provided by the USDOE Consolidated Grant for Insular Affairs.
