Azra Derin Sansal is a high school student at Sainte Pulchérie French High School in Turkey. She is committed to developing her skills, broadening her horizons, and pursuing new challenges.
Academic Achievements and Robotics
Azra was named an FRC Dean’s List Award semifinalist. She also earned the Academic High Honors Award from the Turkish Ministry of Education. At Robotex Turkey, she received the Judges’ Special Award for her Mini-Sumo Robot.
As the PR captain of SPARC 5665 Robotics Club, Azra helped design, build, and code various robots. She competed with her team in Turkey and the USA. Beyond robotics, she explored astrophysics through her school radio station. There, she hosted a podcast about new discoveries and scientific theories.
Community Service and Volunteering
Azra actively supports several community organisations. As Vice President of the Rotary Interact Club, she helped families in need by providing food and children’s books. She also participated in cultural exchange activities.
Additionally, Azra volunteered as a mathematics teacher through the School Support Association of Turkey. She taught fifth-grade students in weekly online classes.
She also worked with the Parilti Association for the Visually Impaired. There, she read books to visually impaired students and provided subject tutoring.
Research on Tidal Disruption Events
As part of the CCIR Academy, Azra conducted a research project titled “The Conditions Required for Tidal Disruption of a Star in the Gravitational Field of a Compact Object.”
Her research examines tidal disruption events. These occur when a black hole’s gravitational forces overcome a nearby star’s gravity and tear it apart. Azra explored the conditions that lead to this phenomenon and how scientists observe these events.
Research Accepted at the IFoRE Conference
Azra’s research paper was accepted at the International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE) in California.
Powered by Sigma Xi, IFoRE is a three-day conference celebrating the role of research in advancing humanity. It brings together high school students, research scientists, engineers, and supporters of scientific principles.
The conference promotes research excellence and scientific integrity. Its programme includes symposia, workshops, and presentations. Speakers have represented institutions such as Northern Arizona University, Florida Atlantic University, and McGill University.
Congratulations to Azra on this achievement!
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