Artist · Musician · Designer · Researcher
Jay Chen
I’m a senior at Garden City High School with a passion for music, art, and exploring how different disciplines can come together to solve real-world challenges. My experiences as a musician and artist have sparked a growing interest in the intersection of art, design, and technology, particularly in the development of prosthetic medical devices.
Art & Props
Art gives me a way to explore the people, characters, and ideas that catch my attention. I enjoy experimenting with different styles and mediums, from digital art and colored pencil to charcoal, gouache, acrylic, and oil. I’m especially drawn to portraiture and exploring the subtle colors, expressions, and details that make each subject unique.
Music
A lifelong creative outlet
All-State Violinist & Concertmaster
Music has always been an important part of my life. It is a creative outlet, a way to connect with others, and something that continually challenges me. I started with piano before picking up the violin in fourth grade, which has since become my primary instrument. My curiosity for music doesn’t stop there; I’ve also taught myself viola, guitar, and erhu.
Musical Achievement
Led the Garden City High School String Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra and the Serenade Youth Orchestra as Concertmaster since 2025
Examples of Jay's Leadership as Concertmaster
Excerpts from Cinema Paradiso (String Ensemble)
Excerpts from Hoedown by Aaron Copland (Chamber Orchestra)
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RESEARCH
Exploring Beyond the Surface
Analysis of Radiofrequency Propagation in Human Tissue
Using gprMax, I model how electromagnetic waves travel through different types of human tissue. I began by modeling a cross-section of the human thigh and comparing how signals behaved when the transmitter was placed in bone versus muscle. I’m now applying the same approach to models of the brain.
The cross section of a leg at 500 MHz
Work Experience & Extracurricular Activities
Work
Experience
Extracurricular
Activities
Community Service & Independent Interests
Garden City High School
Violin Tutor (2023-Present)
Teach weekly lessons to beginner and intermediate students, focusing on technique, practice habits, and preparation for seating auditions and NYSMMA.
Over 100 Hours of Community Service
Art Club (2025-Present)
Elected President in 2026 and served as Vice President in 2025. Coordinating club meetings, and fundraising initiatives by collecting and donating art supplies to Cohen’s Children Hospital and NYU Langone Hospital, Pediatric Center.
Serenade Youth Orchestra (2024- Present)
Concertmaster 2025 – present
Work with conductor to grow a student-led ensemble from 6 to 20 musicians. Provide free concert series through accessible community performances throughout Long Island and New York City. Support the orchestra’s transition to a self-funded model, gaining experience in fundraising and budgeting.
Jay Makes (2020-Present)
Creating wearable and display props for conventions, fairs, and community theater.
Varsity Air Rifle (2024-Present)
Earned All-Conference Sawyer Division designation. Selected to All County team in 2026 and earned Coaches Tournament Recognition in 2024 and 2025.
Collaborate with teammates to refine skills and improve overall scores. Apply strict safety protocols.
Dog Walker (2020-Present)
Demonstrate punctuality and responsibility by adhering to scheduled walks. Administer food, water, and medications as instructed by pet owners.
Community Music Volunteer (2023-Present)
Serving as a volunteer musician supporting local music programs and outreach initiatives such as children’s events, senior centers, library concerts, graduation ceremonies and 9/11 events.
Robotics Club (2023-Present)
Developing and debugging code for autonomous and remote-controlled robots across mechanical, electrical, and software systems. Participate in competitions, programming solutions under time constraints.
Garden City Library (2023-Present)
Contribute to community service projects by creating positive message cards for hospitalized children and veterans and supporting literacy through Book Buddies/ Homework Helpers.
We Art Ceramic, Garden City, NY (July 2026-Present
Developing artistic skills and experience with three-dimensional design through hands-on sculpture projects.
Pre-College Course
Engineering Biomedical Systems – Brown University, Providence, RI (Summer 2026)
• Researched the design, function, benefits, and limitations of the On-X mechanical heart valve, with a focus on blood clotting and the need for anticoagulant medication.
• Investigated anticoagulant and biocompatible surface coatings as a potential way to reduce reliance on blood-thinning medication and associated complications.
• Evaluated ultra nanocrystalline diamond and polyurethane as potential valve-leaflet coating materials based on anticoagulant and biocompatible properties.
• Proposed a testing framework to evaluate coating performance through function, efficacy, durability, and cytotoxicity testing.
• Recommended further development of anticoagulant-coated valve leaflets as a potential approach to improving the long-term safety and performance of mechanical heart valves.
On-X mechanical heart valve the team studied
Leadership, Honors & Awards
National Honor Society - 2026 - present
AP Scholar - June 2026
Art Club President 2026
NMEA All-County & LISFA Violinist - 2026
NYSSMA All State Violinist - 2025
Garden City High School Concertmaster - 2025 - present
Tri-M Music Honor Society - 2025 - present
National Art Honor Society - 2025 - present
American Association of Teachers of Italian Scholarship winner - 2025
Italian National Exam - Silver Medal 2026, Gold Medal 2025 & 2024, Bronze Medal 2023