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STEM ACES take over library

Richmond Public Library’s Brighouse branch hosted a one-of-a-kind, special edition of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) ACES on Tuesday.

Richmond Public Library’s Brighouse branch hosted a one-of-a-kind, special edition of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) ACES on Tuesday.

Participants were treated to two compelling presentations by Richmond student Ray Liu, 17, and Vancouver’s Austin Wang, Grade 12. Both have received international acclaim and multiple awards for their science fair projects.

Ray presented his research on robotics and computer-controlled laser technology. He designed a robotic device that uses motion detection and tracking software to track a moving target, and aims a laser to repel the target from advancing. 

“Right now, I’m working on a solvent polymer deposition 3D printer,” said Ray. “I think it’s important to try a bit of everything.”

His passion for engineering and science began with taking apart a transistor radio and playing with Lego. By eight years old, Ray had built his own computer. 

Austin shared how his “basic science fair project” that investigated the energy output of bacteria, raised a plethora of questions that prompted him to keep digging deeper. 

Those questions led to an in-depth project where he determined the sequence of bacteria genes with the highest energy output. 

Austin is one of the eight students selected to represent Canada at the world’s largest and most prestigious science fair, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair this May.

The event was presented by Dr. Olivia New on behalf of Insight Chemistry Tutors. The STEM ACES program is held every Tuesday through the end of June. For more information, visit yourlibrary.ca.