Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE) is announcing that Ms. Amelie Chen, a senior at Pacific Horizon School, has made history as the first student from American Samoa to secure first place recently at the prestigious Hawaii-Pacific Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS).
Amelie’s groundbreaking achievement earned her a $2,500 scholarship, along with a certificate and commemorative plaque, marking a significant milestone for both her and the American Samoa community. Her pioneering research, titled Science of Autonomy: Optimal Path Planning, has revolutionized maritime navigation. By analyzing environmental factors such as ocean currents, vessel speed, and fuel efficiency, Amelie’s work identifies the most efficient travel routes. Utilizing advanced simulations with MATLAB and MobaXterm, her study highlights the critical role of adaptive path planning in improving navigation safety and energy efficiency.
The competition was held January 18–19, 2025, at the University of Hawaii Hilo and KMC campus in Honolulu, Hawaii. This regional STEM-focused event is renowned for inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators across the Pacific.
Amelie Chen will advance to compete in the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, which will be held in Chantilly, Virginia, from April 22–26, 2025. This national event will bring together approximately 245 high school students who qualify by submitting and presenting original scientific research papers at regional symposia across the country. In addition, around 130 high school teachers, mentors, university faculty, military personnel, and other supporters will gather to celebrate student achievements and foster the next generation of scientists and engineers.
The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), sponsored by the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force, promotes original research in STEM fields among high school students and recognizes their outstanding contributions through competitive presentations and public recognition.
Maefau Dr. Mary Taufete’e, Director of the American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE), expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the educators, mentors, parents, sponsors, and supporters whose contributions made this success possible. She gave special recognition to the ASDOE Science/Health Division and the Division of Curriculum and Instruction (DCI) for organizing the High School Science Symposium for both public and private schools. This initiative was made possible through the generous funding provided by the USDOE Consolidated Grant for Insular Affairs.
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