About Me! by Tara Al-Saleem

Sure, in class I've been given experiments to explore and draw conclusions from, but there was always an answer key. In TRIP, I'll be given the tools and be taught the skills to craft an experiment, but from then on I make the big decisions.

Hey guys! I'm Tara Al-Saleem.
​I have lived in the Lafayette Hill/Plymouth Meeting area for as long as I can remember and I go to Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School. I’m entering my senior year there in the Fall of 2019. 

This upcoming year, I will serve as my school’s National Honor Society coordinator. In the past, I’ve helped organize a Red Cross Blood Drive at my school, and I look forward to being able to run the drive this year. Earlier this summer, I competed with my school’s chapter at the National Technology Association Conference in Washington, D.C.. I placed top 10 in three of my events (including one individual speaking event, a biotechnology project, and an engineering design project). This was my first year in TSA, but I’m so glad I found this organization and will have another year to compete. In the fall, I'm the Boys' Varsity Soccer team manager. This is probably my most entertaining and favorite extracurricular I participate in. I've been playing the violin for 8 years and play in my school's chamber ensemble. 

Some of my favorite classes this year included anatomy & physiology, microbiology, and AP Language. While I consider myself a STEM-driven student, English has a special place in my heart. I will always find a way to tie science topics into my writing AND tie beautiful writing into my science projects. I’ve never had space in my schedule to fit in art classes, but I boast a very color-coordinated note collection to make up for it. I'll be applying to college this summer, and am looking to stay in the Philadelphia area. I’ve also volunteered at Fox Chase Cancer Center for the past few years and will be there again this summer. You can find me on Monday mornings at the Clinical Support Desk!

I don't think I consider TRIP to be "school" because it's going to be teaching me things I want to learn anyways. I am eager to learn more about how to work in a lab, and even more eager to take on an independent project. I applied for this program because I think it's a good way to get a taste of what real research is like. Sure, in class I've been given experiments to explore and draw conclusions from, but there was always an answer key. In TRIP, I'll be given the tools and be taught the skills to craft an experiment, but from then on I make the big decisions (with a little help from my advisors, of course!). 

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So far, I have had a blast getting to know my peers and advisors, sorting flies, and thinking about what I want to achieve in my independent project. I can’t wait to see what TRIP has in store for me!