andoverscienceandtechreview

Astronomy Club Launches Build a CubeSat Challenge

1Dec

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Physics

Astronomy Club Launches Build a CubeSat Challenge

By Niki Tavakoli '27 Astronomy Club has an ambitious schedule planned for the 2024-2025 school year. Aiming for frequent meetings, they plan to host a mixture of meetings for experienced astronomers, lectures on cool astronomy topics, casual meetings for interested beginners, get-togethers using Andover’s small telescopes, and meetings where club members can compete in the MIT BeaverWorks Build a CubeSat Challenge. The ultimate goal of the Build a CubeSat Challenge is to build a fully functioning satellite as a team. The board of astronomy club has begun working on the project: the first step is to participate in a course to learn the coding and software-related skills necessary to construct a satellite, hardware skills like learning about the cameras necessary to observe the stars, ...

1Dec

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Physics

A Life Destined For Teaching: Tracey Golini, Instructor in Physics

By Zachary Yuan '27 Since arriving at Andover in 2016, Tracey Golini has held many roles: teaching physics, working in admissions, and serving as a complimentary house counselor at Eaton Cottage until last year. Her contribution to education is built on a foundation of hands-on learning; Golini has worked in laboratories as a laboratory engineer, as well as publishing papers with graduate students before switching to an educational career. Raised in Rochester, New York, also known as the ‘World Capital of Imaging’, Golini initially pursued a medical career at the University of Rochester before switching to a career in engineering and optics. “There were a lot of jobs in optics in lots of industries… My future boss called during the summer before my senior year and offered me a...

1Dec

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Technology

AI (人工智能) and Technology in the Chinese 640 Sequence

By Zachary Yuan '27 Chinese 641, 642, and 643 is a year-long sequence that focuses on combining the art of storytelling with innovative AI technologies. Taught by Ms. Amy Guo, this course takes students beyond traditional learning, offering them an opportunity to experiment with AI as a creative assistant in various projects. The course emphasizes that while AI is a powerful tool, it does not replace the creativity and engagement required to learn a language and create original content. AI is designed to assist students in the creative process, not to replace their thinking. One of the main goals of the course is to learn to incorporate AI technologies to support our education while navigating the ethical dilemmas associated with it. Ms. Guo shared many insightful idea...

1Dec

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Technology

We Can Help AI to Help Us, Proposes Dr. Zufelt

By Patrick Xu '27 Although there are no current Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies in the Bluebook, most teachers enforce AI regulations in their classes. Typically, these rules forbid the use of generative AI, unless there is instructor permission. Dr. Nicholas Zufelt, Instructor in Computer Science at Andover, speaks on the current policy: “I think different teachers have different takes on it, but largely, [they] are saying that you shouldn't use it except for particular assessments or assignments that may require it.” In particular, Zufelt points out the main concern that most teachers may have, which is that AI gives students the opportunity to really opt out of the thinking process. Before tackling the problem, he encourages both teachers and students to learn more about...

1Dec

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Technology

The Educational Utility of AI – An Interview with Noureddine El Alam, Instructor in Mathematics

By Rania Ali-Svedsäter '26 Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence has become an encroaching factor in secondary school classrooms worldwide. Mr. El Alam, a mathematics instructor at Phillips Academy Andover, has experimented with various potential solutions and policies to address the negative impacts of Chat GPT and other preeminent AI models. El Alam generally attempts to implement unique and unorthodox course policies that do not completely disregard the presence of artificial intelligence. Conversely, El Alam seeks to balance the rise of AI with traditional instruction techniques, evident through his insightful test construction and unconventional course assignments. Financial Literac...

1Dec

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Technology

Why Large Language Models Aren’t Going to Create Art: A Q&A with Dr. Miller, Instructor in English

Is the process of creating art unique to humans? What are some defining characteristics of man-made art that AI cannot replicate? I have an easy answer [...] and one the author Ross Gay mentioned when he visited campus a few years ago. He mentioned how one of the defining features of being human is that we are going to die, that we are mortal, and therefore I feel all art circles back to that. I am always struck by how everything I teach relates to these big questions, such as, why are we here? What is the point of all this? What are we doing on this planet? I believe a computer is never going to have these thoughts. To be a living, breathing mortal who is capable of high levels of thought is really unique. Four-time-Nebula-Award-winning author Ted Chiang writes in his New York...

1Dec

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Technology

To Uncover AI’s Potential, We Need to Understand It First, Says Dr. Keri Lambert

By Niki Tavakoli '27 To Dr. Keri Lambert, Instructor in History and Social Sciences at Andover, artificial intelligence is a tool worthy of exploration. In fact, she has incorporated artificial intelligence into her lesson plans to prompt students to explore both its advantages and limitations. Dr. Lambert looks forward to learning more about how to incorporate artificial intelligence into her class while teaching students critical thinking skills. Though artificial intelligence, specifically large language models (LLMs), is excellent at providing factual information on a wide variety of topics, it lacks the skill a human brain has to think analytically and creatively, a skill Dr. Lambert aims to develop in her class. One of her lesson plans prompts students to examine the capabiliti...

1Dec

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Biology

The History and Uses of CRISPR

By Theodore Phan '26 What is gene editing? How is it done? What are its benefits and disadvantages? These are the questions scientists have been asking since the 1970s when they first began editing the genes of living beings. In the past decade, CRISPR technology has revolutionized the field of gene editing. Discovered in 2012, CRISPR is a gene-editing tool that uses a Cas-9 enzyme to make precise edits to the DNA in any living cell. Its discovery was a game-changer in the field of genetics because it allowed scientists to manipulate genes with incredible accuracy. Since its discovery, CRISPR has been used to tackle genetic disorders, fight diseases, and even attempt to control populations of disease-carrying insects. One of the most notable applications has been to combat the spread...

1Dec

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Biology

Voices of the Wild

By Dolly Nguyen '27 All animals communicate. But each does it in their unique way. While the natural world often resonates with a cacophony of sounds that may appear random and chaotic, these vocalizations play crucial roles in animal interactions. By exploring how animals communicate with each other through various sounds, we can better understand how they forge social connections, establish territories, and interact with their environment. Recent studies reveal close relationships between animal vocalizations and the expressive qualities of human music, hinting that the natural world's soundscape is much more than background noise. For instance, sound sparrows (Melospiza melodia) possess a rich repertoire and can modify melodies to signal fitness to potential mates and defend terri...

Neurorehabilitation Using Brain Computer Interface Technologies

1Dec

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Technology

Neurorehabilitation Using Brain Computer Interface Technologies

By Emma Hong '28 Neurorehabilitation is the process in which an individual with brain injury or disease regains the ability to perform essential neural functions. A key player in this recovery process is brain computer interface (BCI), a vast technology system that captures, processes, and converts brain signals into commands. These commands control prosthetic devices (such as prosthetic arms) that carry out the user’s intended actions. Many BCI devices are designed to restore or replace useful functions to those disabled by existing neuromuscular disorders. This form of brain-computer interface is not only convenient for disabled users, but it can also serve to greatly ameliorate their sense of autonomy and agency and help them integrate or reintegrate themselves more deeply and relata...