FARGO - A high school junior has a jump start on a scientific research career.
Anna Bernhardt of New Salem is listed as a co-author in a scientific journal for a research contribution she made while at North Dakota State University.
Bernhardt, 16, a participant in the North Dakota Governor's School summer program hosted by NDSU, is published in ACS Nano, a major scientific journal of the American Chemical Society.
"It's pretty cool," said Bernhardt, who attends New Salem-Almont High School. "Not many high schoolers can say they have been published."
Bernhardt took measurements and analyzed data for NDSU professor Erik Hobbie, director of the graduate program in materials and nanotechnology.
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"She was really an outstanding student, and she earned the authorship," Hobbie said. "It wasn't a courtesy thing at all."
The research focused on replacing expensive materials found in computer, phone and television screens.
Bernhardt was already interested in pursuing a science career. The six-week Governor's School program - designed for high-achieving high school sophomores and juniors - helped her realize she wants to work in a lab.
"Research is definitely something I want to do in the future," Bernhardt said.
Most students are published for the first time at the graduate level, Hobbie said.
"This is huge for her," Hobbie said. "She's interested in pursuing a career in the sciences and engineering, and she's already got a high-impact publication on her resume."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
