South Burlington High School sophomore, Momin Waqar, is really into brains. Like, seriously! This 16-year-old brainiac is a part of his school’s neuroscience club and recently competed in the Vermont Brain Bee, which covers everything from sleep science to brain disorders. And guess what? He totally aced it, landing himself a spot in the USA Brain Bee at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
The national competition, held on May 3, brought together state champions from all over the country. Waqar went head-to-head with these brainy competitors in various challenges, including a written test, a hands-on lab session with a real brain specimen, and a diagnostic round where students had to analyze MRI scans. After an intense final oral elimination round against a student from Georgia, Waqar snagged second place, along with a cool $1,000 prize.
This achievement is a big deal because it’s the first time in the 16-year history of the Vermont Brain Bee that a local student has made it to the top three nationally. Waqar won’t be able to compete in the Brain Bee again next year, but he’s got big plans to help other high schools start or expand their neuroscience clubs. He believes that getting hands-on experience, like dissecting cow eyes, can really spark students’ interest in the brain and its functions.
Waqar is blown away by the intricacies of the brain and how every little action we take is all planned out in our brains. If that doesn’t make you appreciate this incredible organ, I don’t know what will! So, kudos to Waqar for his impressive performance at the Brain Bee, and here’s to hoping he inspires more students to dive into the world of neuroscience.
