From Radon Scientist to Advocate
After winning at ISEF , Paige decided to pivot her focus to help apply what she had learned in her community . wanted to do more so I looked into the advocacy and legislation aspect ," she said . This led her to work with people Senator Judy Schwank to encourage the passing of legislation requiring radon testing in buildings such as schools childcare centers . Additionally , she wrote an op-ed in her local paper raising awareness for National Radon Action Month . Most recently , Paige participated in a public forum with the support of the American Lung Association and the League of Women Voters , to discuss the dangers of radon in the air and water and how people can protect themselves . " I ' m currently working on getting certified to become a radon tester because I want to help my community as much as possible . I would love to help test my school and other buildings in the area to make sure that everyone is safe from radon ," she said .
Though Paige is frequently called a ' radon expert ' by friends and family , she is not sure if she will turn her radon research into a career . But she is sure she wants to use her love of science to make a difference . " Radon has been an independent project focus , but I ' ve done a lot of other research in other areas . I know I want to work in sciences and use those findings to help my community ," she said .
Regardless of her career , Paige says she will continue to encourage everyone to be curious about radon and to educate themselves . " Anyone can buy a radon test kit and test their own home , there are tons of great resources online and I hope that people take advantage of those so that we all do whatever we can to protect ourselves from this important issue ."
Learn more about radon through our free online Radon Basics course . ( httPs : Qlung . org / clean-air / indoor-air / indoor-airP-Ollutants / radon / radon-basics ).