competing for chance to study in Athens, Greece
East Brunswick junior
competing for chance to study in Athens, Greece
By jamie Dougher
Staff Writer
EAST BRUNSWICK — An East Brunswick High School student has won the National High School Chemistry Olympiad and is now attending a study camp as one of the nation’s top 20 chemistry students.
Bob Zhao, 16, is in the midst of a two-week excursion to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he is participating in the camp and competing for a chance to attend the International Olympiad in Athens, Greece, in early July.
"To be honest, I’m not really looking that far, I’m just happy now," said his mother, Yanling Zhao. "I don’t ever look that far."
Prior to leaving for the trip June 1, Bob Zhao said he was eager to compete in Denver.
"It’s a very special thing," he said. "I’m excited."
His father, Wei, said Bob called from the camp several times last week and said he was very busy.
"I’m very glad that he got this opportunity," Yanling Zhao said. "He worked very hard and he deserves it."
Bob Zhao qualified to take the National Olympiad test after scoring at least 90 on the regional qualifying test. Seven East Brunswick students scored a 90 or higher, but only two are allowed to represent each high school on the national level. Gene Kim was East Brunswick’s other participant.
To prepare for the exam, Bob said he worked on different types of chemistry problems and met with Kim and his AP chemistry teacher, Paul Kimmel, to review problems.
"I looked over some of the old tests and I asked my teacher for help when I needed it," he said. "I spent a significant amount of time on it."
Kimmel said he worked with Bob Zhao and Gene Kim to augment their chances for success on the national exam.
"I’m very proud," Kimmel said. "It’s a great moment for me as a teacher. We worked very hard to prepare for it."
Kimmel said Bob excels at chemistry because he has a good conceptual understanding and is a fast learner.
"He’s certainly among the top students I’ve had in 30 years of teaching," Kimmel said.
Bob said he is more geared toward working on math and science than English and history, although Kimmel said he is an excellent all-around student.
"I like how scientific thinking is very logical and not vague or ambiguous," Bob said. "With science, the pathway that you follow has to be very vigorous."
The Zhao family emigrated from China to the United States when Bob was 4 years old. He has been in the East Brunswick school system since first grade.
Kimmel said the school system has a strong chemistry program across the board.
"It’s a credit to the whole program," he said. "It reflects well on the whole system."
Zhao also volunteers at St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, and participates in school clubs such as the Math Team, the Science Olympiad, the yearbook and the Webmasters. He said he tried to budget time each day within his packed schedule to prepare for the tests he would face at the Air Force Academy.
"I spend some time each day preparing for the camp, at least two hours, but sometimes it doesn’t happen."
Yanling Zhao said she and her husband always tried to instill a positive work ethic in their son, but he has achieved success on his own, and they let him govern his own study habits."We always put a lot of value in education," she said. "Ever since he was young we tried to influence in him the importance of education. We just make sure that he’s on the right track."
His mother is a computer programmer and his father a loan officer. They both have backgrounds in science, specifically agricultural engineering.
"My parents have always been very supportive," Bob said. "They themselves are very impressive. Growing up in that kind of environment helps."
Bob said he does not know if he will pursue a career in chemistry, and there are other avenues he would like to explore.
"Who knows what he can achieve," Yanling Zhao said. "He’s only 16. He has a lot of things ahead of him."
Bob said he is not too nervous because, although he knows only four students can go to Greece, he is proud he made it to the National Olympiad.
"Being able to go is a great accomplishment already," he said.

