King’s Fork High School rising senior Nicoles Williams hopes to be inspired with new perspectives on chemistry at a science academy in New Jersey next month.

The budding scientist will attend the two-week residential program at Fairleigh Dickinson University, near the BASF American headquarters, from July 15 to 25.

“My chemistry teacher suggested it to me because I really enjoy her chemistry class,” Williams said.

The teen said he is interested in science generally, but “with chemistry, I really want to see what it’s all about.”

BASF will cover the cost of travel to New Jersey, program tuition, meals and all other expenses, and Williams said he is thankful for the company’s support.

After the suggestion from his teacher, Williams applied for the program, during which he will join 20 other high school students from across America, by securing recommendations and writing an essay.

The essay “talked about how I felt toward the field of chemistry,” Williams said.

“With the green revolution, people are looking for answers, for better ways to protect agriculture from insects and at the same time make sure we don’t contaminate soils and groundwater,” Williams said, giving one example of how science can help create a better future.

Giving another example, he said science could help create beauty products that “have more of a natural vibe.”

“Also automobiles — people are looking for more efficient cars that don’t produce as much CO2,” he added.

The science academy was open to students who plan to study a science field at the college level and then pursue a career in a science or technology field.

Williams said he is considering studying chemistry and engineering post-King’s Fork, and he cited several schools he’s looking at, including the University of Virginia and Fairleigh Dickinson itself, which he’s been told “really emphasizes chemistry.”

“I know that some of the jobs I want to get into are engineering and chemistry related — it’s pretty broad when you really think about it,” he said.

Williams said he learned from feedback that students had a fun time at last year’s academy.

Not having to worry about the cost, he will be able to focus more on the curriculum, he said.

“The biggest thing I’m looking toward is just learning something new, that I’ve never known before, and improving myself along the way,” he said.