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Posted: Jan 05, 2015 - 12:00pm

Currently, Jarek Kwiecinski is a 10^th grader at the Albuquerque Institute for Math and Science, which located on UNM's South Campus. Jarek presented a talk at TEDx Youth event in November 2014 on his science-fair project—enhancing microbial processing of carbon in desert soils. For the past three years, Jarek has conducted science-fair research at the UNM Department of Biology through connections developed with the Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program (BEMP), which is based partially in the Department of Biology.

Jarek's relationship with BEMP began four years ago when he was a 7^th grader at the Albuquerque Institute for Math and Science. He participated in a BEMP site as part of his school curriculum, and volunteered with Jennifer Schuetz (BEMP science coordinator) as part of his school's service learning program.

From the 8^th to 10^th grades, Jarek delved deeper and deeper into microbial roles in carbon cycling of desert soils such that he is now actually doing Ph.D.-level research at UNM's Department of Biology with professors and post-docs!

Jarek has seen great success in regional, state, national and international competitions each year; this video shows his level of professionalism.