I’m constantly amazed by the accomplishments of our FAU High School students. You may recall seeing a few in the news for receiving bachelor’s degrees from FAU before graduating from high school. Recently, a freshman named Hannah Herbst has been in the spotlight for her scientific achievements. In October, Hannah won the 2015 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Inspired by her pen pal in Ethiopia, she developed a prototype that aims to use ocean energy to provide power for developing countries.

Last week, Hannah was featured live on Discovery Education to talk about her experience as “America’s Top Young Scientist.” She attributed some of her success to the “tons of awesome resources” available at FAU, including access to Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, where she received advice from experts who are developing the world’s first ocean energy turbine. Click here to view the webcast.

I’m so proud that FAU’s world-class resources and dedicated staff are helping to shape great minds like Hannah’s. I know this is just the beginning for her, and I look forward to seeing what she will accomplish next.