Harker students had great success at the national TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science) finals in Orlando, Fla., in late June, where they won the grades 9-10 division first-place trophy in problem-solving, and placed in the top 10 for both prepared presentation and best in nation. The team finished fourth overall nationally. The team members, who took second in the state finals, are all rising sophomores: Jackie Yang (team captain), Eileen Li, Sachin Shah, Emily Liu, Allison Jia, Cynthia Chen and Vani Mohindra. Kyle Li did not travel to Orlando, but was part of the team that took second in the state.

“Once again the top qualifying team from Harker has represented the school with honor,” said the team’s coach, Tony Silk, upper school mathematics department chair. “The students worked very hard and had a wonderful experience. I can only imagine how they’ll do in their second year! A special thanks to Harker parent Roxana Yang, who traveled with the students to Orlando, helping to make the trip, and the students’ success, possible.”

The theme for 2017, “Engineering the Environment,” included scenarios on energy efficiency, open-source geothermal heat pumps and wastewater treatment. The TEAMS competition helps to develop “STEM-capable” students in an engaging way by showing them how math and science, with an engineering focus, are used to make tangible differences in the world.