Chapter 1: The Actual Scientific Process to Concussing Flies by Lizzy Qian

Hello! My name is Lizzy Qian, and I am a current junior at Garnet Valley High School. I was born in Iowa where I lived until I was about eight years old, after which I moved to Pennsylvania. The thing that surprised me the most when I moved to Pennsylvania was the ocean. I’d never seen it before I’d moved to the East Coast, and no description could prepare me for how vast and unbounded it was, the way the waves roll and throw off glints of sunshine, or how terrifying aggressive seagulls can be.

At my high school, I’m part of the marching band where I play the clarinet and conduct as field major. I am also on my school’s debate team where I do Lincoln Douglas debate, and am Vice President of the STEAM Club, where our focus is providing accessible STEAM-based activities and education to children. For the past two years, I’ve been a singles player on my school’s tennis team. My favorite shot is my serve on its good days, and one of my favorite parts of tennis is the way a freshly opened can of tennis balls smells (ask any player and they’ll likely tell you the same). Outside of school, I am an avid Girl Scout. I love hiking, camping, and working with the younger kids in my multi level troop, as well as the selling and eating of Girl Scout cookies. I also enjoy art and like to sketch and paint in my free time.

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So far in the program, I have been testing the effect of milk thistle on concussions. Prior to TRIP, I was not even aware that flies could get concussions, let alone that there was an actual scientific process to concussing flies. Interestingly, a spring contraption is used to hit a vial of flies against a wooden board, concussing them. I applied to the TRIP Initiative because I am interested in a future in which I can use science to help others and better the world. I’m extremely grateful to be a part of TRIP and for this opportunity to explore my passions and future career goals. I can already tell that this adventure will be an amazing one that I will learn much from.