TIMOTHY Gilchrist is already making waves in the science world, with the Taree Christian College school captain being chosen to attend an International Science Forum in Heidelberg, Germany.
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In January this year Timothy attended the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) at the Australian National University in Canberra, along with 450 other students from across the country.
The 12 day forum is about exposing students to career options in the fields of science and engineering and provides an opportunity for 37 of the participants to earn a place with International STEM programs in London, Pretoria and Heidelberg.
Timothy has always been a leader and a great role model for his peers and these traits only served to strengthen his chances of being chosen for the international program.
His application for the NYSF International Program illustrated advanced thinking skills, good planning and analytical processes, as well as an understanding of the nature of the opportunity being made available.
"The NYSF International Program offers our students some very unique opportunities," said NYSF director, Damien Pearce.
"For example, the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar includes an invitation to attend the Nobel Prize for Science Ball, and the National Youth Science Week in South Africa offers a chance to go on safari.
"These are negotiated through the NYSF, and are therefore a significant recognition of the work the student has put in to date. Timothy Gilchrist is to be congratulated on his achievement of being selected," Damien added.
Timothy is currently studying Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Extension 1 Mathematics, Extension 2 Mathematics and Advanced English for his HSC.
Last year he received the University of Newcastle's Award for Excellence in Science and Information Technology as well as receiving the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Award for Leadership and Teamwork, the previous year.
He has also received dux of his year throughout his secondary education, is a debating coach, a volunteer math tutor and has received the college academic award every year since kindergarten.
Timothy's passion and acute understanding of science comes from his interests in astrophysics and cosmology as well as accelerated particle physics.
While other potential careers lie in the areas of theoretical physics, nuclear physics and quantum mechanics, and advanced physics is a current favourite.