Northwood teen recognised as scientific trailblazer during regional science fair
Durban — Northwood School’s Joshua Williamson received the Energy Trailblazer Award during the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists KwaZulu-Natal Central Regional Science Fair, recently.
Hundreds of young innovators and engineers from across the region descended and aimed to impress judges with their talent and scientific projects.
Williamson said he was shocked because he did not expect to receive any awards, but he did notice a lot of interest shown by a professor at UKZN who was responsible for handing out the awards.
Speaking on his contribution towards the fair, he said: “Heat Street is a renewable energy source that generates electricity underneath pre-existing infrastructure using the heat of the sun on our roads that we burn our feet on.”
Williamson added that this was not the first time he was involved in the expo, as he previously participated in 2019.
“Science took me more than the other way round, as I had always had an interest in discovering how things worked. Over time, more became the desire to help people and aid people with their lives,” Williamson said.
He said winning this award was a great confidence booster going forward, as it showed that he had created something useful and innovative.
Williamson said after school, he intended to study Mechatronics at either the University of Stellenbosch or UCT, as they were his dream universities.
“I want to help make an impact on the issues we face today and I enjoy the robotics aspect of mechatronics. I would love to work for a robotics company that makes a difference in people’s lives,” he concluded.
At school, Williamson is the captain of the Tech Team, captain of Robotics and vice-captain of the Press Club. He also has half colours in academics, and despite his academic and science successes, his main passion and priority lies in performing arts — where he has full colours.
Outside science, he enjoys performing (singing and dancing); as well as photography, videography and playing hockey. He is also heavily involved in the school’s debating and bowling side — representing the second and first sides respectively.
A total of 236 budding young scientists from the region presented 189 research projects, including group projects, at the event, which took place at the University of KwaZulu-Natal on August 8. The projects on display were evaluated by 107 judges, which included educators, specialists, academics, and dedicated Eskom Expo supporters.
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