MatthewWorsham's favorite subjects are biology and social studies., a combination of subjects that natrually draws him to certain activities. Matthew participated in three JASON Projects before he joined Monster Storms as an Argonaut. He said that while he enjoyed them all, his favorite activity was one from “Shore to Seas” that involved trade between Indian tribes in the Channel Islands. He liked this activity because it showed him the way those tribes went to the store and what they used for money (islands to barter) and how it was different from the way he goes to the store. The Indian tribes traded with shells and animals and he just takes out a charge card.  Matthew drives a car to the store with his family and the tribes paddled Tomols (canoes). While the activity playing the part of the Chumash Indians was great, he really wished he could have traded for real in a canoe.

 

Outside off school Matthew achieved the rank of First Class scout and was elected patrol leader several times in Boy Scout troop 888 as well as serving as troop scribe. Also his work with the Lego Robotics Team inspired him to be a researcher in search of the Caulerpa Taxifolio, a macro-alga that can grow an inch a day.  In turn, the topic of Killer Alga turned out to be an inspiration to learn more about invasive species and biology.

 

Matthew also enjoys to act. And is a member of the Middle School Drama Department at his school. Mattherw  landed a role of Hector in the comedy, “Here Comes the Judge.”  He thinks the combination of his many interests helped him be a great team member in Monster Storms.

 

 

All and all, today was a great day.  All of the technology really helped us undrerstand storms. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot. Working with the Host Researchers  has made me really interested in Hurricane research. 

 

Your yard is healthy and happy. Suddenly, you spot a dandelion. “Oh, that’s kind of pretty, “you say.  Mow it down. A few days later you see more. Mow them down. A week later, you look out the window and you see a lawn made out of dandelions!  Call the lawn company. This is an example of what happens if you ignore a problem. When we worked on the Monster Storms operation we did not ignore problems!

 

We sat in on a "map discussion" where about 14 scientists look at satellite images and talking about what they think will happen  with certain storms. I thought it was so cool to listen to the scientists debate.  It made me see how difficult and important their predictions actually are.

 

I have gotten to meet a lot of new people from all over the country, and  the world! There have been so many firsts for us; driving boats, snorkeling, eating in tons of restaurants, doing video conferences, and working with scientists.  It was great to have a team to experience this with me.