Alex Chen

Scholar · Researcher · Athlete

High school junior passionate about physics, competitive swimming, and making STEM accessible to all students. Combining rigorous academic pursuit with community leadership and athletic excellence.

About Me

Academic Interests

My passion lies at the intersection of theoretical physics and computational modeling. I'm particularly fascinated by quantum mechanics and its applications to emerging technologies. Through independent research and mentorship programs, I've developed a strong foundation in experimental design and data analysis.

Beyond the lab, I believe in democratizing STEM education. I've spent hundreds of hours tutoring underserved students and organizing physics workshops, because I believe everyone deserves access to quality science education.

Beyond Academics

Athletics have taught me discipline, resilience, and the value of incremental progress. As a competitive swimmer for eight years, I've learned that success comes from consistent effort and mental toughness—lessons that transfer directly to my academic and research pursuits.

Through speech and debate, I've developed critical thinking skills and learned to articulate complex ideas clearly. This has enhanced my ability to communicate scientific concepts and advocate for causes I believe in.

4.0 GPA
12 AP Courses
200+ Volunteer Hours
3 Research Projects

Core Strengths

Research & Analysis

Scientific Method

Experienced in designing experiments, collecting data, and drawing meaningful conclusions. Proficient in Python, MATLAB, and statistical analysis tools.

Leadership

Community Impact

Founded and led multiple STEM outreach initiatives. Organized workshops serving 500+ students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Communication

Public Speaking

State-level debate competitor with experience presenting complex research to diverse audiences, from peers to professional scientists.

Get In Touch

Interested in collaboration, research opportunities, or just want to connect? I'd love to hear from you.

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STEM Research

Quantum Entanglement Visualization

Summer 2025 | University Lab Partnership

Developed computational models to visualize quantum entanglement phenomena using Python and quantum computing libraries. Created interactive simulations that make abstract concepts accessible to high school students.

  • Collaborated with PhD students on quantum information theory
  • Published findings in regional science fair (1st place, Physics category)
  • Presented at state science symposium to 200+ attendees

Machine Learning for Climate Data

Spring 2025 | Independent Study

Applied machine learning algorithms to analyze historical climate data and predict temperature trends. Focused on developing accessible tools for environmental education.

  • Processed 50+ years of meteorological data
  • Achieved 94% accuracy in short-term temperature predictions
  • Created open-source educational resources

Biomechanics of Swimming Performance

Fall 2024 | Interdisciplinary Project

Investigated the physics of fluid dynamics in competitive swimming, combining my athletic experience with scientific inquiry. Used high-speed video analysis and force sensors.

  • Analyzed stroke efficiency across different techniques
  • Identified optimization strategies for competitive swimmers
  • Presented findings to varsity swim team coaching staff

Research Philosophy

I believe the best research combines rigorous methodology with real-world applications. Each project I undertake is driven by genuine curiosity and a desire to make complex scientific concepts accessible to broader audiences. Whether working in a university lab or pursuing independent investigations, I maintain high standards for experimental design, data integrity, and reproducibility.

My approach emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking—drawing connections between physics, computer science, and biological systems to solve complex problems. I'm particularly interested in how computational tools can enhance our understanding of natural phenomena and how we can use technology to democratize scientific knowledge.

Research Timeline

University Research Internship

Summer 2025

Quantum physics lab at State University, working on entanglement visualization project.

Regional Science Fair Winner

March 2025

First place in Physics category for quantum computing research.

Independent ML Project

Spring 2025

Climate data analysis using neural networks and time series forecasting.

First Research Publication

Fall 2024

Co-authored paper on swimming biomechanics in student research journal.

Physics Competitions & Outreach

Competition Achievements

Physics Olympiad

Silver Medal, State Competition (2025)
Qualified for national semifinals through rigorous problem-solving rounds covering mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics.

Science Bowl

Team Captain, Regional Finals (2024-2025)
Led team of five students in fast-paced science competition. Trained team members in physics concepts and buzzer strategy.

Physics Quiz Bowl

Individual Top 10, National Tournament (2024)
Competed against 200+ students nationwide in comprehensive physics knowledge competition.

Community Outreach

STEM Tutoring Initiative

Founded free tutoring program serving 50+ middle school students from underrepresented communities. Focused on making physics concepts accessible through hands-on demonstrations and real-world examples.

Physics Workshop Series

Designed and led monthly workshops at local library, reaching 500+ students over two years. Topics included:

  • Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
  • The Physics of Sports
  • Climate Science Fundamentals
  • Renewable Energy Technologies

Girls in STEM Program

Founder & Director

Established mentorship program connecting high school girls with female scientists and engineers. Organized career panels, lab visits, and hands-on workshops to inspire the next generation of women in physics.

  • 50+ active mentees across three schools
  • Quarterly events with industry professionals
  • 85% of participants report increased STEM interest

Science Fair Mentorship

Volunteer Mentor

Mentored 15+ students in developing and executing science fair projects. Provided guidance on experimental design, data analysis, and presentation skills. Several mentees have won regional competitions.

  • Weekly mentoring sessions
  • Support from concept to final presentation
  • Focus on underserved school districts

Physics Demo Shows

Performer & Educator

Created engaging physics demonstration shows for elementary and middle schools. Use theatrical elements and interactive experiments to spark curiosity about science in young students.

  • Performed at 20+ schools
  • Reached 2,000+ students
  • Topics from electricity to fluid dynamics
500+ Students Reached
250 Volunteer Hours
8 Competitions
5 Awards Won

Speech & Debate

Competitive Success

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

State Qualifier (2024, 2025)
Competed in value-based philosophical debate format. Advanced to elimination rounds at multiple national circuit tournaments. Specialized in philosophy of science and epistemology arguments.

Public Forum Debate

Regional Champion (2024)
Partnered debate format focusing on current events. Won regional championship and competed at Tournament of Champions-qualifying events. Expertise in policy analysis and evidence-based argumentation.

Original Oratory

District Finalist (2024)
Delivered original 10-minute speech on the importance of STEM education equity. Combined personal narrative with policy advocacy to create compelling calls to action.

Leadership Roles

Debate Team Captain

Led team of 30+ students as varsity captain. Organized weekly practices, taught novice debaters, and coordinated tournament logistics. Under my leadership, team qualified 8 students to state championships—a school record.

Tournament Director

Directed school's annual invitational debate tournament, managing 200+ competitors, 40+ judges, and logistics for 12-hour competition day. Successfully coordinated with staff, volunteers, and competing schools.

Debate Camp Instructor

Taught argumentation fundamentals at summer debate camp for middle school students. Developed curriculum covering research skills, logical reasoning, and public speaking confidence.

Skills Developed

Transferable Abilities
  • Critical Thinking: Analyzing complex arguments and identifying logical fallacies
  • Research: Synthesizing information from academic sources and expert testimony
  • Public Speaking: Communicating ideas clearly under pressure
  • Adaptability: Responding to unexpected arguments in real-time
  • Empathy: Understanding and articulating opposing viewpoints

Notable Topics Debated

Recent Resolutions
  • Climate change policy and carbon taxation
  • Artificial intelligence regulation
  • Healthcare accessibility and reform
  • Criminal justice system improvements
  • Education equity and funding
  • Technology ethics and privacy rights

Tournament Highlights

Competition Record
  • Berkeley Invitational: Semifinals (2025)
  • State Championship: Quarterfinalist (2024)
  • Harvard Invitational: Octofinalist (2024)
  • Regional Tournament: 1st Place (2024)
  • 12 tournament wins overall
  • Top speaker award: 8 times

How Debate Complements My Academics

Speech and debate has profoundly shaped my approach to scientific inquiry and research. The critical thinking skills I've developed—evaluating evidence, constructing logical arguments, and considering multiple perspectives—directly enhance my ability to design experiments and interpret results.

Moreover, debate has taught me to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences. Whether I'm presenting research findings, explaining physics concepts to elementary students, or advocating for STEM education equity, the communication skills I've honed through debate enable me to be a more effective educator and advocate.

Perhaps most importantly, debate has instilled intellectual humility. The constant process of researching both sides of an issue, defending positions I may not personally hold, and being challenged by thoughtful opponents has taught me that the pursuit of truth requires openness to being wrong and willingness to revise beliefs in light of better evidence.

Competitive Swimming

8 Years of Excellence

From age 10 to now, swimming has taught me discipline, perseverance, and the power of incremental improvement.

8 Years Training
15+ Hours/Week
12 School Records
3 State Qualifications

Competition Results

Primary Events

  • 200m Freestyle: 1:52.3 (School Record)
  • 100m Butterfly: 56.8 (Personal Best)
  • 200m IM: 2:08.5 (State Qualifier)
  • 400m Freestyle: 4:15.2 (Regional Champion)

Achievements

  • State Championship Qualifier (2024, 2025, 2026)
  • Regional Champion, 400m Free (2025)
  • All-Conference Selection (3 years)
  • Team MVP Award (2025)
  • 12 school records set or broken

Team Leadership

Varsity Team Captain

Selected by coaches to lead team of 40+ swimmers. Responsibilities include organizing team activities, mentoring younger swimmers, and maintaining positive team culture.

Training Philosophy

I approach swimming with the same analytical mindset I bring to physics research. I track metrics, analyze technique videos, and make data-driven adjustments to optimize performance. This systematic approach has helped me improve consistently year over year.

Balancing Athletics & Academics

Training 15+ hours per week while maintaining a 4.0 GPA has taught me exceptional time management. Early morning practices before school, homework between events at meets, and strategic scheduling have become second nature.

Mental Toughness

Life Lessons

Swimming has taught me that success isn't about having perfect conditions—it's about showing up consistently, even when you're tired, even when practice is before dawn, even when you don't feel like it. This mental fortitude translates directly to academic challenges and research setbacks.

Goal Setting

Progressive Improvement

Every season, I set specific, measurable goals for time improvements. Breaking down big goals into weekly targets has taught me the power of incremental progress—a skill I apply to long-term research projects and academic objectives.

Team Dynamics

Collaboration

While swimming is an individual sport, success depends on team support. Cheering for teammates, offering technique advice, and celebrating others' victories has reinforced that we all rise together—a philosophy I bring to group research and debate team leadership.

Swimming Journey

Team Captain & State Qualifier

2025-2026 Season

Led team to conference championship, qualified for state in three events.

Regional Champion

2025

Won 400m freestyle at regional championships with personal best time.

Junior Varsity to Varsity

2023

Promoted to varsity team after breaking JV records in all primary events.

Joined Competitive Team

2018

Started competitive swimming at age 10, joining year-round club team.

The Physics of Swimming

My dual passions for swimming and physics naturally intersected in my biomechanics research project. Analyzing the fluid dynamics of different strokes, understanding how drag coefficients affect speed, and optimizing body position based on hydrodynamic principles has deepened my appreciation for both disciplines.

Swimming has also given me a visceral understanding of concepts I study in physics class—from Newton's laws of motion to energy conservation. When I'm in the pool, I'm constantly experiencing physics principles in action, which makes abstract concepts feel tangible and real.