Yiheng Wang

  

Volume 10 | Issue II | June 2026

Princeton International School of Mathematics and Science ’27

New Jersey, United States

  

I have a strong interest in environmental chemistry, history, public policy, and science and technology studies (STS). I am particularly drawn to the issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), given their widespread contamination in New Jersey, where I have seen their impact more directly. This has made me acutely aware of the gap between environmental risks, public awareness, and regulatory response, and has shaped my broader interest in how science, policy, and society interact. I have conducted research on PFAS detection and remediation, while also pursuing projects in environmental history and policy. These experiences have led me to view environmental problems not only as technical challenges, but also as the result of institutional design and historical development. Writing this paper allowed me to integrate these interests by analyzing how environmental chemistry, legal frameworks, and policy design interact to produce persistent regulatory delays despite growing scientific evidence. The research process was both challenging and rewarding, strengthening my ability to think critically and write with rigor. Beyond research, I serve as the leader of the Environmental Impact Club at my school and am actively engaged in environmental initiatives and public outreach, with a particular focus on raising awareness of PFAS in local communities. I also created a website dedicated to PFAS issues in New Jersey. In addition, I am a cellist with the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra.