A senior entering high school at Tolleson University, Maxwell Igwe has a greater grasp of biochemical research than some adults.
To earn his AP Capstone degree in July, for example, he focused on clinical barriers for schizophrenic patients who use cannabis; the psychosocial effects on sports and the athletes who participate in them; and cobalt mining in sub-Saharan Africa.
AP Capstone is a College Board degree program based on two year-long AP courses: AP Seminar and AP Research.
Rather than teaching subject-specific content, these courses develop students’ skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing and presentation, according to AP Capstone.
Students who complete the two-year program can earn one of two AP Capstone Awards, which are valued by colleges around the world.
The Goodyear resident is among the seniors to watch for the 2022-23 school year. He is focused on research through his expected 2023 graduation from University High School, as it is such a broad subject. He will reduce it once he chooses a college.
“I think my heart is really in the search,” he said. “I don’t quite understand research as a career. It’s a really complex issue between academia and business.
“A lot of issues that I find important, like neglected tropical diseases, genetic disorders, and diseases, are really science and research. The point of doing research over the last two years was to figure out exactly in what area I wanted to go,” he said.
When the 16-year-old isn’t studying, he’s president of Model UN, a simulation of the United Nations General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students act as ambassadors while debating topics such as gender equality, climate action and globalization. health.
His resume also includes a stint with Project Green and as an underclass mentor.
“We help them with academic, social and life skills,” he said. “It fosters connections between levels of students who otherwise might not communicate much.”
A well-functioning chemistry club is one of Igwe’s priorities so that he and his peers can conduct chemistry experiments outside of the normal curriculum.
“I really hope to major in biochemistry,” he said of his college years. “It’s really a huge area when you think about it.”
Daughter of Sam and Tricia Igwe, he is a golfer on the varsity high school team. At home, he hangs out with his 10-year-old sister, plays guitar (electric, acoustic and bass) and listens to metal and rock music.
“I play for fun, but I explored the idea of being in a band,” said Igwe, whose first gig was Muse. “There are a lot of possibilities for me.”
