Celebrating Young Scientists - William Peelen
“No matter what, try to find ways to be involved and to continue exploring your curiosity.”
— William Peelen
William is a member of the Varsity Science Olympiad team at Marquette University High School in Wisconsin, where he has quickly become a standout competitor. In May 2025, he and his teammate earned first place in the Disease Detectives event at the Science Olympiad National Tournament — a CDC-sponsored epidemiology challenge featuring the country’s top high school scientists. Their first-place medals included an invitation to tour the CDC headquarters in Atlanta.
But before this national spotlight, William was exploring his passion for biology here at Notre Dame’s DNA Learning Center.
William attended a week-long summer program at the DNALC in 2024, where he learned from Dr. Amy Stark and immersed himself in hands-on genetics experiments. William said, “My experience at camp solidified my interest in molecular biology and my desire to research diseases in the future.”
His week at Notre Dame didn’t just deepen his curiosity in the lab — it strengthened friendships and independence as well as gave him a glimpse into college life. From scientific presentations to late-night games of Dungeons & Dragons in the dorms, he embraced every part of the experience.
William’s family felt that enthusiasm from the moment they pulled onto the Notre Dame campus and talked with other families from around the country who were there dropping off their campers.
“The DNA Learning Center offered an amazing opportunity and a perfect fit for Will to explore his scientific interests. We were thrilled to find the program… it certainly was a highlight of Will’s summer to attend!”
- Roxanne Peelen, William's mom
Dr. Stark shared, “The DNA Learning Center is the ideal place for students intrigued with science to really embrace their curiosity and build on that interest. Will is a perfect example of that successful process."
Today, William practices five evenings a week and spends weekends at regional and national tournaments held at universities such as Northwestern, MIT, and the University of Michigan — even competing as far away as Hawaii. His commitment has propelled him from junior varsity to Varsity leadership roles on a nationally ranked team.
“William has clearly become a man of science. We just hope he follows his dreams and they bring him great joy. His time at the DNA Learning Center helped him get his start and figure out his path. Through the time since then, his intellectual curiosity has gotten him to this next point successfully. He is ready for what’s next as he applies to colleges. He has some pretty impressive goals when it comes to being a scientist. He is well on his way.”
— Roxanne, William’s mom
Currently, William's goal is to earn a PhD and become a disease researcher. William’s advice for future young scientists?
“Keep pursuing your interests. You can do this through entering competitions like I did, trying to get an internship, or something else entirely. No matter what, try to find ways to be involved and to continue exploring your curiosity.”
The DNA Learning Center exists to equip students like William with the tools to discover their passions and take bold steps into the future of science. His story reflects what can happen when curiosity meets opportunity — and a little bit of DNA.
“Not every student that comes through the DNA Learning Center may have a direct future in genetics, but may use that experience to launch their interest in all fields of science and engineering,” Dr. Amy Stark said and added, “We are always so excited to watch the next generation of STEM leaders embrace their interests.
Do you know a student who has used their experiences at the DNA Learning Center as a foundation for their future success? Submit them to be featured in our next post!
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