My name is Valentino De La Torre, and I am an 8th grader at iLEAD AV Studio in Lancaster, California. I am part of Team Moringa, and our experiment goal is to see Moringa germinate in microgravity. I decided to be in this program because I wanted to challenge myself. I find science and space fun and interesting. The plant we chose has many benefits that can help the astronauts while they’re in space.

Outside of the DreamUp to Space program, I have a few other interests. I love to cook for my family and also love to play video games like NBA2k and Fortnite. Another interesting fact about me is that I love dogs. I have three dogs named Levi, Cash, and Lola. Levi, the oldest, is eight years old. We have had him all his life. My other dogs, Lola and Cash, I’ve had for one and a half years. Lastly, I love to hang out with friends.