Inside a Passion for Nutrition Science: Meet Michael Ma, Class of 2026

In our continuing series spotlighting the DAIS Class of 2026, we introduce Michael Ma, whose journey reflects a strong commitment to leadership, community service, and diverse passions ranging from cross country to music. In this reflection, he shares how these experiences have shaped his interest in nutrition science and his plans for the future.

I have always seen the DAIS community as a place for me to grow, learn, and explore different opportunities. I also feel deeply grateful for my five years at DAIS.

Events and Activities

DAIS provides plenty of events and activities for students each year, and I have participated actively since my freshman year. In 9th grade, I joined the broadcasting station founded by Peter Zhang. His ASA and his role as Student Government president showed me how leadership can turn creative ideas and complex tasks into finished products. I was greatly influenced by his spirit.

^{DAIS/DHS broadcasting station staff}

I have maintained strong academic performance throughout high school and made the most of every opportunity to improve my skills. I attended the NAE Summit 2025 as the only student representative from Northeast China, where I learned about the SDGs and developed leadership skills with amazing staff from Nord Anglia. 

^{NAE Summit 2025}

I later applied these skills as the president of the National Honor Society and as a leader of the Service-Learning Ambassadors. I am delighted to lead teams in organizing large events such as the Terry Fox Run and the Haunted House, solving real-world problems and providing service support for the local community.

^{Sea Dragon Ambassadors supporting the local nursing home}

Cross Country and Sports

Cross country is the sport I am most passionate about. After COVID, starting in 2023, I became the leader of the cross-country team and began recruiting members to build the team. I also founded the Campus Fun Run ASA and organized a 100K relay challenge with six other cross-country members.

Within three years, the cross-country team grew from only four high school students into a competitive team with 15 members, earning 3rd place in the boys’, girls’, and overall categories. I hope that through my own efforts, more people can benefit from running.

^{DAIS/DHS cross-country team}

Music

Music is another important part of my life. I started playing the piano at the age of four. After enrolling at DAIS, I taught myself to play the clarinet and joined the band. At the same time, I became a member of the show choir and used my piano skills to accompany choral concerts and the advanced choir.

I truly enjoy performing with other talented students and having a stage to showcase my abilities. I even held a private piano recital and invited Mr. Burton and Ms. Terry to attend.

I am very proud to have witnessed the growth of the music department during my high school years—from a small band classroom into a large program that gives everyone a chance to participate and provides a global stage to showcase their musical skills.

^{2024 spring concert}

College Application and Career

I plan to major in Nutritional Science at Boston University. Its Sargent College offers one of the top nutrition programs in the United States.

My interest in nutrition science began in my sophomore year. A YouTuber named Zhang Xiuxiu opened a whole new world for me. His detailed explanations of how added sugars and fatty acids function in the human body sparked my interest in exploring these topics more deeply.

As I continued learning, those complex biological theories gradually became clearer and more accessible. I am proud that I have already been able to use what I’ve learned in nutrition science to help people around me—even before starting college—and I feel confident about continuing this research in the future.

Text: Michael Ma
Editor: Svetlana Ulyakhina
Pictures: DAIS, Michael Ma