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Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Yes, it is rocket science for busy junior

By Phyllis Salmons | News-Journal Correspondent

PORT ORANGE — When Angela Pitenis, 15, a junior in the International Baccalaureate program at Spruce Creek High School, was asked what she does for fun, with tongue in cheek she answered, "I don´t understand the question."

Her busy calendar includes Greek dancing, tae kwon-do, writing books, playing violin, participating in team golf and tennis, and learning about microgravity.

Enrolled in Physics III this year at Spruce Creek, Pitenis was searching for an idea for an upcoming science fair project.

"Angela has always had an interest in engineering and she wanted to come up with a science fair project that is very professional, not just string and Popsicle sticks," said her father, Jim Pitenis, a retired executive in the computer industry. "She asked me to call Embry-Riddle to see if she could fit in with existing research or academic projects."

After being interviewed by Dr. John Olivero, chairman of the Physical Sciences Department, it was decided that Angela should work with one of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University´s microgravity teams, as they prepare to present a proposal hoping to participate in NASA´s Reduced Gravity Student Flight Program.

Many ERAU teams have proposed, designed, fabricated, flown, and evaluated hands-on experiments in an aircraft flying parabolic maneuvers over the Gulf of Mexico.

"Many Embry-Riddle projects are ongoing and require years of input from the professors and students," Olivero said. "It was determined that Angela could gain valuable experience by brainstorming with the microgravity team since the project is accomplished in the short-term and meetings were held after school hours."

"My responsibility on the microgravity team is to research an astronaut´s daily life on the International Space Station," Pitenis said. "Simple tasks that we do on Earth become extremely difficult in space and we are studying ways to improve the lives of astronauts during these long periods in space.

"Finding out the difficulties that astronauts experience has been very enlightening."

Pitenis´ life is not all science, however. She was a published author of "The Rubber Band Wars" by the time she was 14.

"The book is targeted to middle school students. The storyline revolves around a group of kids who are involved in a conflict on their campus. It is an exciting experience for me to have published at such a young age," Pitenis said.

As far as future literary work is concerned, she said, "I am presently working on a compilation of my original poetry, and a novel that is still in the beginning stages."

Pitenis dances with the Greek Dance Troupe at the Daytona Beach Greek Festival, she is a first-degree black belt in tae kwon-do and she speaks Spanish and Greek.

She is an accomplished violinist, having performed with the high school orchestra at Westminster Abbey, St. Luke´s Concert Hall, and Trinity College in Greenwich, England.

Always interested in improving herself, Pitenis said, "I am delighted to say that I have enjoyed every class I have taken. Granted, I have strengths in literature, yet I have always fostered a passion for the sciences."

As for her future, Pitenis said, "I would like to get an undergraduate engineering degree at Embry-Riddle, then attend law school and perhaps become a patent attorney."

She believes it is important for women to continue to become more involved in technological fields.

"The future of America and its competitiveness means we need to produce more engineers," Pitenis said. "With many current engineers due for retirement soon, this is a great opportunity for women to get involved with the sciences and become productive and innovative individuals. Women are underrepresented in the scientific work force and I hope by doing my part as a woman in technology, I can influence others."

It´s no wonder that the Volusia County School Board has recognized Angela Pitenis as one of "Tomorrow´s Leaders." It doesn´t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.

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