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MOONSHOT ACADEMY

MOONSHOT ACADEMY

Dr. Wen Chen

Head of the D.R.E.A.M, Head of Research Track

Dr. Chen Wen is the head of the D.R.E.A.M. Department and the academic research track. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and has long focused on ecosystem modeling and research on evolutionary adaptability. She has also introduced scientific thinking from these fields into educational design. By applying systems thinking and adaptive principles, she has propelled the curriculum development of the "One Small Step" program, helping learners understand how complex systems evolve. She also explores sustainable innovation solutions in the field of technology entrepreneurship. She advocates learner-centered project-based learning, emphasizing the design of solutions to real-world problems, and supports students in growing amidst uncertainty and bravely facing challenges.

In the "One Small Step" program, she is not only an educator but also an explorer, jointly challenging the possibilities of future technology entrepreneurship with learners. She aims to cultivate a new generation of tech changemakers equipped with systems thinking, innovative spirit, and a sense of social responsibility.

Her academic background is in ecology and evolutionary biology, where she has studied the laying behavior selection of parasitic wasps, and the population distribution and aggressive behavior of the invasive European red fire ant. In her work, she focuses on the systematic construction of training systems, as well as innovative educational methods and means based on empirical research.

Projects8

Shaping Stereotypes: The Hijab Culture's Evolution Under Western Colonial Era

The Effectiveness of Hawaii’s Policy on Coral Bleaching

Pathfinder: Exploring Shortest Path Algorithms in Theory and Practice

Disciplines/Subjects: Computer Science, Mathematics, Academic Research Key Themes: Graph Theory, Algorithm Development, Java Programming, Research Methodology This project invites learners to explore the shortest path problem, a cornerstone in graph theory with applications in various industries. Students will engage in research, implement algorithms like Dijkstra's or Bellman-Ford in Java, and present their findings through a research poster, report, and simulation project. By connecting theoretical knowledge with practical implementation, students will deepen their understanding of algorithmic thinking, enhance their coding skills, and develop effective communication techniques.

Impact of Protected Areas in Brazilian Amazon

Disciplines/Subjects: Environmental Science, Ecology, Political Science, Economics Key Themes: Impact of Protected Areas (PAs) in the Brazilian Amazon, highlighting both the benefits and costs associated with these conservation efforts The article, "Impact of Protected Areas in Brazilian Amazon," examines the complex relationship between Protected Areas (PAs) and their impact on the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. The Amazon rainforest plays a vital role in regulating global climate and is home to a significant portion of Earth's terrestrial species12. Deforestation, driven by the need for ranching and agriculture, threatens this ecosystem, leading to biodiversity loss and increased carbon emissions2. PAs have emerged as a crucial strategy to mitigate deforestation and preserve the Amazon.

The Western feminism assertion on veiling oppression and clarification from Islamic perspectives

Key Themes: Western feminism, Veiling oppression, Women's autonomy, Socialization impact This academic paper examines the conflicting perspectives on the Islamic veil, contrasting Western feminist interpretations with Islamic viewpoints. Western feminists frequently characterize veiling as a symbol of oppression, restricting women's autonomy and hindering their socialization, while also arguing that it reinforces patriarchal structures and is a product of Orientalist biases. Conversely, the paper presents Islamic perspectives that view veiling as a personal choice expressing religious identity and empowerment, promoting social engagement, and even enhancing women's honor and respect within their communities. The paper's central purpose is to deconstruct the Western feminist narrative by highlighting the diverse interpretations and agency surrounding the veil within Islamic culture, arguing against the simplistic notion of oppression.

How does adjusting the amount of the additives of sorbitol, glycerin, and titanium dioxide affect the properties of CMC-gelatin-agar plastic?

Disciplines/Subjects: Materials Science and Engineering; Polymer Chemistry; Environmental Science; Microbiology Key Themes: Sustainable Alternatives to Petroleum-Based Plastics This research investigates the impact of different additives on the properties of biodegradable plastics made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), gelatin, and agar. The study focuses on sorbitol and glycerin as plasticizers to improve the plastic's ductility, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) to enhance its color. The researchers found that glycerin and sorbitol effectively increased the plastic's flexibility. They also observed that TiO2 successfully adjusted the film's color, making it whiter. The study concludes that adjusting the additive amounts is crucial for achieving a balance of desired properties in CMC-gelatin-agar plastic6. The research suggests that this type of biodegradable plastic has the potential to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics, contributing to environmental protection.

The Possible Correlations Between an Individual’s Attributes and the Time Theory One Tends to Choose

Disciplines/Subjects: Philosophy; Psychology; Cognitive science Key Themes: The Interplay of Individual Attributes and Time Perception This research examines the relationship between individual attributes, such as personality traits, academic interests, multiple intelligences, and preferences for different time theories. The research employed a survey to assess participants' agreement with statements about time, correlating their responses with their scores on personality and intelligence tests. It also included a behavioral experiment where participants arranged cards representing different time concepts, followed by interviews to understand their reasoning. The study found a potential correlation between academic interests and preferred time theories. Participants with interests in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields tended to favor non-dynamic time theories, while those interested in SHAPE (Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Physical Education, and Education) fields leaned toward dynamic time theories. However, the research did not find a significant correlation between personality traits and time theory preferences.

Using Physarum Rigidum to Determine the Fire Evacuation Routes for Fire Cases during Lunchtime at Moonshot Academy

Disciplines/Subjects: Mycology; Biophysics; 3D Modeling Key Themes: Biologically Inspired Solutions for Real-World Problems This research explores the use of slime mold, specifically Physarum rigidum, to model optimal fire evacuation routes in a school building. The study used a 3D-printed model of the school and simulated fire scenarios using a repellent substance, pyruvic acid, to guide the slime mold's growth. Lucy placed oat flakes at potential exits, representing attractive destinations for the slime mold. The experiment demonstrated that the slime mold successfully navigated the model, avoiding the repellent and connecting to the oat flakes, revealing potentially efficient evacuation routes. The study concludes that slime mold can be a valuable tool for designing and evaluating fire evacuation plans. It also highlights the potential of slime mold as a model organism for studying complex problem-solving behavior.