Anker Zhao
Shady Side Academy, 12
Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
Rong Cao
Academic Achievement
Gold Certificate, Presidential Volunteer Service Award (2022) / National Society of Colonial Dames Writing Contest Winner (2021), Award Recipient & Contest Winner – 2 Years
1st Award in Chemistry (2020 PJAS); Full paper published in IEEE Xplore Digital Library; awarded “The Best Presenter” Certificate at the 2021 IEEE International Conference on Health, Instrumentation & Measurement, and Natural Sciences, Student Researcher – 2 Years
Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winners with Multiple Gold and Silver Keys / 2020 and 2021 Labsy ART Awards, Award Winner – 3 Years
National AP Scholar with Distinction (2020) / National Latin Exam Silver Keys (2019 and 2020), Award recipient – 2 Years
2019 Coca Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar / National Merit Scholarship Finalist (2021) / 2022 Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalist, Scholar Award recipient – 3 Years
Extracurricular Activities
Speech & Debate / Service Learning, Senior Advisor, Student Judge, and Tutor – 4 Years
Build Our Bridge Academy Organization – To teach weekly lessons in English, Python, and Math to students in China, Thailand, and South Africa, English Program Leader and Tutor – 2 Years
Youth Leader and Organizer for Fundraising and Christmas Virtual Art Performance, Youth Leader & Organizer – 2 Years
HOBY Leadership Program, member, PA West Junior Facilitator (2021) Vice-Chair of Fun & Gratitude of the Founder’s Day Committee (2022), PA West Junior Facilitator & Vice Chair – 3 Years
High School Camp Ren Leaders-in Training / Student Ambassador, Camp Leader and Student Ambassador, Camp Leader and Student Ambassador – 3 Years
Community Involvement
Carnegie Science Center, Junior Volunteer & Event Demonstrator – 4 Years
The First Tee of Pittsburgh, Clinic participant and Assistant Golf Clinic Coach – 10 Years
Pittsburgh Project – Prepared and distributed food to low-income families in the Pittsburgh area during the weekend and holiday seasons, Member – 2 Years
Game Design & Production Apprenticeship Program, Simcoach Games, Game Designer Intern – 1 Year
Classroom Without Borders / Children’s Village Service Program in Israel, Mentor & Junior Volunteer – 2 Years
Plans
Throughout my life and study, I have valued the integration of diverse subjects, including biology/chemistry, economics, and computer science, towards my goal of addressing child mental health. I would like to explore the vast interdisciplinary field of public health to fulfill my specific interest at the confluence of neuropsychology, behavioral science, and computer science. In the future I hope to innovate and ultimately start a business to support mental health.