During her sixth grade year, Anna did in fact observe a Buddhist monk using, millions of grains of multicolored sand to create complex patterns. This image left a lasting impression on Anna, and has helped to form her ideas for her recently published New York Times essay called, The Shifting Mandala.

Anna, currently a high school senior and member of the Dalton School Research Program, or DSRP, was given an opportunity to pursue independent science research. Students are welcome to consider research in-house or with a scientist in an outside laboratory. The program offers students the time to pursue independent study in the areas of science, computer science and engineering. DSRP students create a contract for themselves that describes the work they aim to accomplish. To create the contract, students consult with their committee, which consists Lisa Brizzolara, Will Findley, the student's house advisor(s) and the research mentor. This commitment continues until graduation. Students meet with faculty advisors to gauge progress. During their time in DSRP, students will present yearly at the Interschool Science Symposium, and apply to contests such as Seimens and Intel.

While pursuing an internship with Ellen Pehek, a principal research ecologist in the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, Anna helped measure the diameter of trees in Inwood Hill Park as part of a study on the effects that invasive plant species have on our ecosystem and forest health. Invasive species modify habitats to the extent that the original ecosystem is fundamentally changed. Anna states, "Through my internship, I found myself part of an ecological mandala, each tree akin to a grain of colored sand." Anna reminds us that we need to step back and take a broader perspective on protecting our world and its environment.

For more information about the DSRP, contact Lisa Brizzolara or  Will Findley.