Isaac R.

Radiation Lab PI, Environmental Toxicity Lab PI, & WISRD Board Member

Research & Lab Work

Ever since Isaac was 4, he was fascinated by science. At first, his interests were focused on archaeology and paleontology, which he pursued for 3 years before becoming more interested in engineering. He continued to focus on this until he turned 11. After some time, his interests shifted to biology and chemistry, and then again to physics. As he continued to study this, he became increasingly more interested in astrophysics and cosmology. When he joined WISRD, he continued to develop his interests in this by researching the Standard Model. After several months of studying this, he decided to start a project that revolved around testing the amount of radiation that is released by self-driving cars and whether this radiation is dangerous. This was his primary focus in WISRD for the majority of the 24-25 school year. By the end of the year, he had published a technical paper on his findings. At the start of the 25-26 school year, he created a new project called the Environmental Toxicity lab, which revolved around analysing the heavy metals in the environment after the Pacific Palisades fires. This has been his primary focus throughout the year, and he plans to publish a technical paper of the results he gathers, along with information he aggregates from other studies.
Radiation Lab:
The purpose of the Radiation Lab is to investigate the frequency and power of the radiation released from the radar of self-driving cars, and the potential health risks associated with it. This is especially important because of how close the school is to a Waymo service Depot.
Environmental Toxicity Lab:
The purpose of this lab is to investigate the amount of heavy metals in the environment in the Pacific Palisades as a result of the materials melted during their fires, and the health concerns associated with exposure to these metals. This is particularly important because of the companies expediting the rebuilding process who are pushing these potential health concerns under the rug.
Radiation Lab Research Question:
To what extent do Waymo self-driving cars emit harmful radiation, and what impact does it have on the human body?
Environmental Toxicity Lab Research Question:
What hazardous metals were released into the environment as a result of the major Pacific Palisades wildfires, and what impact could this have on people exposed to them?
5/12/25
Today I looked over my paper and spoke with Megan about the publishing proses.
5/4/25
Today I updated my journal, and added links to my publications from this year. I also added a section about the different types of Waymos.
5/5/25
Today I wrote Finished my paper on my findings for the Radiation Lab.
4/30/25
Today I wrote the introduction and results section of my paper.
4/21/25
Today I worked on editing my inquirer, so that it is ready to be published.
4/15/25
Today I wrote the introduction section of my paper on my findings from the Radiation lab.
4/7/25
Today I worked on and finished my poster on the Radiation Lab for the up coming poster session.
3/11/25
Today I continued to graph the date from the experiments I did last week. I also started to plane out some controls that I can use to gather more data.
3/6/25
Today I converted more of the data from last weekend to graphs.
3/5/25
Today I continued to turn the data from last weekend into graphs.
3/4/25
Today I took the data I got from last weekend's experiments and turned them into graphs.
2/25/25
Today I prepared for the experiments I plan to do this coming Sunday by gathering all the equipment I need and reviewing my plan with Megan (my WISRD teacher).
2/19/25
Today I reformatted my journal so the oldest entries are at the bottom an the newest are at the top.
After that I continued to plan my Waymo test day and research different methods to detect radiation.
2/11/25
Today I planned how I was going to test the Waymo radar. I decided to get five people to help me, so each person would be responsible for a different type of sensor. we will tape each type of sensor to a PVC pipe three feet from the end, and rest the pipes on chairs to maintain a constant height, distance, and direction on the sensor. each person will record the date their sensor collects for 30 seconds on each side of the car. they will also record the sensors as the car pulls up to the curb. we will then take readings of all the sensors during the ride.
2/5/25
Today I continued to figure out how to log more data on the software I used last class.
2/4/25
Today I Tried to Figure out how to save data on the new detector I ordered. I also tried to log the saved data on the software where the sensor came from. I need to find out how to log more than 60 sec of data on the software.
1/28/25
Today I read through the instruction manual and downloaded the software that came with the new sensor I ordered.
1/22/25
Today I looked back on the detector I ordered and tried to find an alternative one. the new detector I plan to use can identify possible sources of the radiation it detects and logs data.
1/17/25
Today I figured out the frequency range that is being detected by the EMF detectors we have. I also found a new detector specifically for microwaves.
1/14/25
Today I looked into how reliable the Bioinitiative is, so I can potentially use it as a reference for EMF health risks.
1/7/25
Since it is the first day of the second semester today, I made plans and deadlines for myself. This semester I plan to have enough research by the end of this year to publish a technical paper.
12/17/24
Today Prepared for the poster session tonight by looking over my poster.
12/9/24
Today I did some final edits to my poster and then submitted it so it will be printed for the upcoming poster session.
12/3/24
Today I worked on my poster in preparation for the poster session on December 17th.
11/26/24
Today I did more research on the type of radiation that is released from Waymo radars.
11/20/24
Today I tried to find images for my poster that could help me explain my project and its background. I also talked with Megan about a potential experiment: I could put a radio telescope in my car and park it outside the Waymo service station and leave it running with a camera to see what happens when a Waymo leaves over the course of an hour.
11/19/24
Earlier today the Waymo project was approved by the board, and is not called the “Radiation Lab” " To further the lab I did more research into there sensor layout of the Waymos.
11/18/24
Today I reviewed my pitch for the Waymo Project in preparation for the board meeting tomorrow.
11/15/24
Today I did some more research into the effects of microwave radiation on humans.
11/11/24
Today researched the effects of microwaves on the human body, and what different levels of exposure do.
11/8/24
Today I refined the experiment I wanted to do using a Waymo so it would give me better more accurate results.
11/4/24
Today I worked on creating a pitch for my Waymo Project that I can use to propose my project to the WISRD board.
10/28/24
Today I learned how to calculate the length that the antenna of a radio telescope would need to be to detect microwaves. I need to do more research to find out what frequency the Waymo cars use, the the radio telescope I make will detect their radiation.
10/22/24
Today I worked on preparing 3D-printed skulls for the WILD project’s Dark Matter Day booth.
10/18/24
Today I spoke with Megan about an idea for a project I had about studying the radiation given off by Waymo self-driving cars. I did some research into the type of radar used and what the hazards associated with them were and found that it released microwave radiation. I thought of a few ways that this could be tested:
- Test 1: we could monitor the microwave radiation released from a parking lot vs the microwave radiation released by the Waymo charging lot.
- Test 2: EMF readings could be taken from different sides/ the inside of the Waymo versus EMF readings from normal car sides/inside.
- Test 3: Microwave radiation could be recorded from a street where there were no Waymos and the results could be compared to the microwave radiation reales from a street with no Waymos driving on it.
To do these tests, an EMF detector would be needed, and having 2 would make it easier, and there was also a piece of equipment in WIZRD that Megan suggested I use.
10/4/24
Today I read three lessons from Seven Brief Lessons in Physics by Carlo Rovelli and then formatted my inquirer article, so I have a better understanding of what I need to write.
9/30/24
Today I looked into what anti-matter, dark matter, and dark energy is, and how we think it works. I also digitized and simplified the drawing I made above of the Lagrangian theory everything.
9/27/24
Today I rewrote the information I had for my inquirer.
9/20/24
I did research into what the standard model equation is and what each part means.
9/18/24
I finished the standard model I was making by the end of class.
9/17/24
While researching, I found four different standard modules, each with a different parts, but I could not find one with all of the elements. I started to make my own version that had all the aspects in the same model. I will need to keep working on this next class.
9/13/24
Today, I did more research into the standard model. I looked into what an axion is, and the antimatter variations of quarks and leptons.
9/9/24
Today, I learned about the new cosmic ray detector and what each part does. I also did some research on what would be needed to build a cloud chamber. the last thing I did was draft an inquiry pitch on the standard model.
8/27/24
Today I researched the standard model and cosmic rays. I looked into how nuclear fusion and fission play a role in cosmic rays as well as the effects a solar flare has in it.
5/18/26
Today, I made sure my WISRD journal was up to date and had all the correct information in it.
5/11/26
Today, I added my poster and the poster that I was a co-author on to the publications section of my WISRD web page.
5/4/26
Today, I finished writing my technical paper for the Environmental Toxicity lab and edited it so that it is ready to be sent out to potential publishers.
4/27/26
Today I prepped for the upcoming poster session by reviewing my poster. I also set up a document for writing my WISRD technical paper for the Environmental Toxicity Lab.
4/23/26
Today, I received the results from the last control soil sample it took and tested at Penn State, and added them to the graphs of my data. I also found out that the safety threshold I had been using as a reference was meant for air. Because of this, I researched a new one and found the World Health Organization’s limits for cadmium, lead, and arsenic in water, and their limits for lead and cadmium in soil. They did not have a limit for arsenic in soil, so I was forced to use the range of the USA uses as a safety limit.
4/17/26
Today, refreshed my memory on the data I had collected so I could ensure I did not forget anything over break. Additionally, I updated my poster with results from my water testing method validation work. I also made revisions to my inquiry article.
3/23/26
Today, I finalized the protocol I used to validate my water testing methods and uploaded the protocol to my WISRD web page.
3/19/26
Today, I performed the water testing validations that I have been planning to do for the past few weeks. From what I can tell, the test strips do not seem to be very accurate, but I need more time to look over the results to ensure that this is correct.
3/9/26
Today, since the lead and cadmium I need to validate my water tests are here, I scheduled the date to perform he tests for this Thursday, 3/12
3/3/26
Today I found out that the cadmium I plan to use to validate my Water testing kit arrived, and the lead I need is on the way. In preparation for the validation testing, I once again reviewed my procedure.
2/25/26
Today I looked back over my math for the dilution series I plan to use for validating my water tests, and learned that the chemicals I need to perform these validations are on their way. Hopefully, I will be able to do these validation tests next week.
2/20/26
Today, I looked back over my protocols for my labs and refamiliarized myself with the steps I need to perform to validate my water tests.
2/12/26
Today I reviewed pitches for Inqierer articles.
2/2/26
Today, I continued to think about new lab ideas since the chemicals I need to validate my water tests have not arrived yet.
1/13/26
Today I did some research into potential lab ideas for next school year. Unfortunately, I did not come up with any ideas that stood out to me.
1/29/26
Today, I looked over the protocols I previously wrote and started to think about how I will integrate them into my journal.
1/22/26
Today I wrote out the protocols for the Radiation Lab and Environmental Toxicity Lab.
1/12/26
Today I looked into more sources and previous research on the use of Calcium Carbonate for heavy metal remediation in soil.
1/9/26
Today, I did research into using Calcium Carbonate as a method of removing heavy metals from soil and water in the Palisades after the fires.
1/6/26
Today I did some research into potential remedies for heavy metals in soil. I have also decided that my plan for this semester is to publish a research paper on my findings from the Environmental Toxicity lab. I also want to integrate the following advice from peers in class:
- Set mini due dates and goals for where I want to be in my project
- plan the next class's work, the class before I do it, and follow that plan
- Set out some things I would like to accomplish for the day, and journal them
12/17/25
Today I did more research on the health risks associated with exposure to heavy metals.
12/8/25
Today I tested the ocean water sample I took this past weekend, and graphed the results. This sample will serve as a control for the other water samples that I have already collected and tested.
12/1/25
Today I tested all of the ocean water samples I collected over break from the Palasades and prepared a new soil control to be shipped for testing. I then graphed my findings from the water tests and put them on my poster.
11/17/25
Today, I graphed the results from the soil tests and began to make more specific plans for collecting water samples for my lab.
11/11/25
Today, Megan and I did the math required to perform validation tests of the water test kits I plan to use for the second part of the Environmental Toxicity Lab.
11/6/25
Today, I planned out how I am going to test for heavy metals in ocean water. To do this, I will use two different types of test strips. I plan to take samples from the surface level and foo under the sand from three different locations. I also plan to take a sample from the middle of the ocean as a control. Additionally, to test the validity of the water testing kits, I will put a set amount of each heavy metal in a cup of water and run three tests on it to find the level of inaccuracy associated with the test kits.
10/28/25
Today I took the soil samples that I collected last Thursday and put them in new, freshly labeled bags so they are ready to be sent off to Pen State for testing.
10/20/25
Today I reviewed what my job at Dark Matter Day is, and reviewed the locations I plan to take soil samples from.
10/13/25
Today I started writhing my poster on the Environmental Toxicity Lab for the poster session that is in 2 months, on December 5th.
10/6/25
Today I did background research on the safety limits put on different heavy metals.
10/2/25
Today I did background research on potential sights to take soil samples from.
9/26/25
Today I wrote my Inquirer article, which was watered down version of my Radiation lab technical paper. I also put together a presentation on my new lab (The Environmental Toxicity Lab) which I will give during the WISRD social next Tuesday. The propose of this is to spread knowledge about who is working on what in WISRD.
9/18/25
On Tuesday my proposal for the Environmental Toxicity Lab was approved. Because of this, I did research on the best place to take soil samples, for testing. My plan is to take three samples from the Palisades and one sample form a area unaffected by fires to be used as a control.
9/8/25
Today I researched different options for testing the amount of heavy metals in soil.
9/5/25
Today I did more research on the project I am hoping to start, in preparation for my pitch to the board.
8/28/25
Today I proposed a new idea for a WISRD project which revolved around the safety of the Palisades after the fires, and began doing research and wrote a project pitch to the board. I plan to hope to present this pitch on 9/10/25.
8/22/25
Today I joined WISRD, and began thinking of what I will do this year in WSRD since the Waymo project is finished.
Standard Model Research Sources:
Radiation Lab Sources:
Environmental Toxicity Lab Sources: