Science Enthusiast, Basking Ridge Student Finalist In International Science Competition

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — 17-year-old Ryan Zhao, a student from Basking Ridge, is currently one of 30 semi-finalists from across the globe in the annual Breakthrough Junior Challenge competition.

Zhao created an original science video and is now in the running to receive $400,000 worth of prizes, including a college scholarship and a new science lab for their school.

Ryan’s video focuses on Noether’s Theorem, which provides a mathematical explanation for why conservation laws exist and at times why they do not hold.

"In other words, Noether's Theorem reveals that science is not a collection of truths but a series of attempts to understand how and why things work, and as we humans make more attempts, our science gradually becomes more precise. Though we humans will probably never perfectly understand how the Universe works, the beauty is in the journey — just look at how far we've come," said Zhao.

Zhao's interest in STEM originally sprouted when he was in elementary school.

"Sometimes, my parents would comment on ordinary occurrences like foggy windows or boiling water, and they'd ask me why I thought these processes occurred. Although I didn't realize it at the time, they were sharpening my curiosity and critical thinking skills to explore the Universe through a scientific lens," said Zhao.

His passion for science only grew over the years, prompting him to launch his own YouTube video channel "The Chemistorian", to inspire people all over the world with "a curiosity that enables them to explore the Universe and their place in it through sharing my passion for science and its history and philosophy."

"To me, science and technology are like a vast sandbox in which I can build my own, unique understanding of the Universe and how to leave my mark on it," said Zhao. "To that extent, learning STEM is directly tied to understanding how I can inspire people to be curious and think deeply about life through science education, like through my YouTube channel. Venturing on that journey of self-discovery is what I enjoy most about science and technology — after all, we are all lifelong learners."

Zhao's YouTube channel currently boasts 4,670 followers on the platform. In addition to educating viewers on key chemistry and STEM topics, Zhao also uses the channel to share facts and stories from both the past, present and future of the scientific world to key in on his love for storytelling.

"I strive to water others' curiosity just as my parents did for me. Specifically, I hope my audience gets from my videos a curiosity that encourages them to spend some time every day, even if just a few minutes, wondering about the Universe so that each of us can appreciate life's ordinary beauties — even foggy windows," said Zhao.

Founded in 2015, the Breakthrough Junior Challenge is a global science video contest that encourages students to create engaging and imaginative videos that demonstrate difficult scientific concepts and theories in the physical or life sciences.

The finalists’ videos are up on YouTube and Facebook, and the general public can vote for a people’s choice winner in the Popular Vote Challenge between now and Tuesday, Dec. 9.

People can vote for Zhao's video by liking it on YouTube or Facebook, so each person can vote twice on the same email account:

• YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=wJu7A_ZQ4a8
• Facebook: facebook.com/share/v/1DgkpqJbLR/

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