Congratulations, Kailash Raman, Winner of the 2015 3D InCites Awards Scholarship

I am consistently awed by the youth of today who are choosing to follow an educational and career path in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). At an early age, they have set out to achieve a goal that requires immense focus, dedication to their studies, and sometimes sacrifice of extracurricular activities. As adults, these young people will be tasked with shaping our future as the world population continues to grow and the limits of our natural resources are tested.

While technology has brought information to our fingertips and allows for critical advancements in medicine, energy, agriculture, transportation, the environment and more, it calls for a new generation of brilliant minds with solid STEM backgrounds to take us forward. This is why 3D InCites supports SEMI High Tech U, a global program for high school students that prepares them for a STEM-related education and career path.

For the past two years, a portion of the 3D InCites Awards proceeds has gone to fund the 3D InCites Award Scholarship, awarded to a graduate of the SEMI High Tech U program who intends to pursue a STEM related degree. Last week, at the SEMI High Tech U graduation that took place at Impress Labs in Phoenix AZ, I had the honor once again to award a $2500 scholarship to a young man, Kailash Raman, who exemplifies the characteristics described above, and more.

Kailash is an 11th grade student at Sandra Day O’Connor High School in Phoenix, AZ who completed the SEMI High Tech U program in June, 2015. More impressive than maintaining 4.67 GPA while completing AP Chemistry, AP Physics, AP Calculus and Honors Biology, he’s already had several research intern positions at Arizona State University. At the tender age of 17, Kailash is a multiple-award-winning participant of the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair, president of the Model UN Club, a varsity cross country athlete, and sings in the All-State Honors Choir… the list goes on. Not only that, he’s a really nice young man with a great smile and good sense of humor (I know that because he laughed when I asked him if he also dances.) Suffice it to say that it’s clear he’s going places, and putting $2500 towards his education is an investment in the future of our world.