ACCOLADES FOR EMMA’S COMPUTER SCIENTISTS

“The computer science interests and skills of Emma students just keep getting more impressive,” declares Computer Science and Mathematics Instructor Chiara Shah.

The curiosity led to a STEAM10 (one of two transdisciplinary programs for 9th and 10th grades synthesizing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) project, involving a collaboration with fellow student Robyn W. ’24 to create the code and design of the website.

The pair started work and began mentioning the project to people on campus who in turn told her about the photos they took of the vultures: it seemed that even if people didn’t know what they were, everyone was interested in them. It was clear that photos were going to be a huge part of the website though the main focus is to help people identify what they were seeing. Emma Willard School hosts two varieties of vultures—the turkey vulture and the black vulture— though many in the community Dia surveyed had no idea how many varieties of vultures even exist. The differences are noted on the identification section of their website, including information on wing shape, size, color, and habits of posture.

Launching in Fall 2022, more was in store for the Vultures of Emma Willard. In November, the website won first place in the 2022 Congressional App Award contest, and campus hosted a surprise visit with U.S.

House of Representative Paul Tonko from New

York’s 20th District.

“I am always amazed by the talent and creativity of our Capital Region’s students, and this year’s submissions for the Congressional App Challenge put that ingenuity on full display,” Congressman Tonko said during his visit. “The Vultures of Emma app demonstrated both impressive coding skills and an admirable motivation to learn more and to educate others about the history of Emma Willard’s campus and its surrounding natural environment.”

At Emma, the vultures have become a part of daily life at the school, and it seems like most of those on campus feel an odd sense of affection for these strange birds. In a community that bends towards intellectual curiosity it’s no wonder that everyone is interested in, rather than repelled by, the vultures.

“This award perfectly reflects what Emma Willard is all about: creativity and collaboration,” said Jenny Rao. “I am so proud of our students for their contributions today—and every day—in these crucial areas of computer science and technology!”

“It’s a really cool part of the school, it’s the perfect place for them!” adds Dia. “I never imagined this website would become so popular and spread beyond the Emma community. I can’t wait to see where the Vultures of Emma will take us next!”

The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) National Aspirations in Computing Awards are given annually to recognize students’ aptitude and aspirations in technology and computing, as demonstrated by their computing experience and activities, leadership, tenacity, and future plans. This year, Emma had 11 students honored at the regional level, three of whom also won national recognition.

Manasa B. ’23

Ashlyn B. ’24

Vernette B. ’24

Jill C. ’23 *

Sol H. ’24 *

Meli N. ’23

Narmene O. ’24

Pitta T. ’23

Evangeline W. ’23

Cynthia Z. ’24

Teresa Z. ’23 *

It’s no wonder that our computer science students excel. Their mentor, Computer Science Instructor Chiara Shah, was also honored with the Hudson Valley Regional Educator Award from NCWIT. The Aspirations in Computing award identifies exemplary formal and informal educators who play a pivotal role in encouraging 9th–12th grade women, genderqueer, or non-binary students to explore their interest in computing and technology. The award recognizes these educators for their efforts to promote gender equity in computing.