Student Result
Annie
Wins Special Award at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
The Story
ISEF is the world's most prestigious science competition for high school students, bringing together the top young researchers from more than 80 countries. Annie developed a wearable sleep monitoring device that analyzes stomach movements during sleep to help diagnose gastrointestinal (GI) diseases in a non-invasive way. While the research itself was strong, success at ISEF also depended on communicating the work effectively and confidently defending it before expert judges. Paired with Personify mentor Kevin, Annie refined her project pitch, completed over 20 in-depth mock judging sessions with carefully crafted technical questions and ideal responses, and prepared comprehensive defenses for the project's two biggest limitations. The result was a polished presentation that impressed judges and earned Annie a Special Award at ISEF. Approached by a Caltech admissions officer at ISEF interested in her work.
Outcomes
- Specifically approached by a Caltech admissions officer who was impressed by her work!
- Won Special Award at ISEF
- Competed against 1,800+ finalists from 80+ countries
“He [Kevin Gong] was absolutely incredible! It was invaluable...He had such insightful questions we hadn't heard before. Also really helpful on making the future a bigger part of her speech. He went above and beyond! I wish we had started sooner.”
- Annie's parent