Craig Hiller stands next to his exhibit at the Jersey Shore Science Fair. He won first prize for a project that measured digital SLR camera movement.
Photo courtesy Stephen Chappell
May 06, 2008
An eighth-grade photographer from Colts Neck has won first place in the physics category at the Jersey Shore Science Fair at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.
Craig Hiller, 13, who attends Cedar Drive Middle School in Colts Neck, won the award on March 15 for an experiment measuring the amount of mirror-related movement that occurs when the shutter is released on SLR (single-lens reflex) digital cameras.
Craig, his sister, Brenda, 16, and their parents, Ron and Sherrie Hiller, attend Temple Rodeph Torah in Marlboro.
Hiller said the results will serve as a guide to photographers.
“It will help them compensate for movement within the camera, especially when they’re taking telescopic pictures or close-ups,” he said. “And the result is a sharper picture.”
Craig, who won honorable mention for his project at April’s Delaware Valley Science Fair in Valley Forge, Pa., is part of the Stars Challenge, a science enrichment program for students in grades six through nine hosted by Monmouth University in West Long Branch.
Craig has taken Stars Challenge courses for two years (the courses take place once per week for 10 weeks during the fall and winter semesters).
His parents are proud of their son’s accomplishment.
“This is something he can take with him beyond public school,” Ron Hiller said. “Craig has been able to focus on his interest in science through a diverse set of study topics. The interests of all the students are encouraged by their teachers, who also encourage them to really think.”
Craig, whose sister is a member of the science and engineering program at Manalapan High School, displayed an interest in science projects at an early age.
“He was always taking things apart, including computer parts that were in our basement,” said Ron Hiller. “He disassembled things all the time, but when it came to putting them back together — well, not so much.”
But it was all part of the learning process.
“I’d like to continue with this project and maybe expand it,” said Craig. “In photography, you either get the shot or you don’t. There are almost no second chances.”
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