Parkland's Joy Wang is a Science Whiz

Parkland High School senior Joy Wang of Upper Macungie was recognized for her scientific prowess at Tuesday night's Parkland School Board meeting.

The Stanford University-bound senior was lauded for her "grit and determination," by science teacher Laura Kowalski.

"Joy is a phenomenal student," Kowalski said. "She goes above and beyond and thinks critically. She shows such grit at this level, given the personal ups and downs of the project."

Wang was cited, among other things, for her involvement in a scientific crude oil project.

She was presented with a certificate of merit by school directors.

"I just want to thank everyone at Parkland for being so supportive," Wang said.

Earlier this year, Wang selected as one of 40 high school seniors across the country to be an Intel Science Talent Search Finalist for 2013. The event, sponsored by Intel Corp., encourages students to pursue ambitious scientific questions and develop skills to solve tomorrow's problems.

In 2012, Wang developed and created Future Einsteins, an after-school science enrichment program for elementary school children in the Parkland School District.