What is ‘Science Research’?

‘Science Research’ refers to the process in which a student, typically in their secondary level of education (grades 6-12), will identify a topic of their own choosing based on their own personal interests and curiosity and will develop an authentic research project to answer an original research question in a STEM field. Students will often times collaborate with a professional scientist in the field who can serve as the student’s mentor to support them through the process. Students will identify a research question, develop a research plan, establish their research goals, objectives, and hypotheses, carryout an experimental methodology, collect and analyze their data, and ultimately produce original findings. Students will then write an academic research paper and present their findings at various local, regional, national, and international competitions and symposia. Some students will even submit their findings for publication.

What this process looks like for students can take many different forms. Some schools offer a multi-year course where students conduct their independent scientific research with the guidance of a research teacher. Other students conduct their scientific research independently, without the formal guidance and structure of an official class offered at their school. Regardless of whether an official class structure is in place for students, the main driving force behind their research is their innate curiosity and love for STEM.

Science Research Overview

  • Students engage in conducting original research. They delve deep into a scientific topic of their choice, form hypotheses, design experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions.

  • Each student is potentially paired with a professional scientist who acts as their mentor throughout the program. The mentor provides guidance, knowledge, and support as the student undertakes independent research. Some research projects do not officially require the mentorship of a professional scientist, but all projects can benefit from the enhanced knowledge and expertise of a seasoned research scientist.

  • Upon completion of their research, students are required to write an academic-level research paper detailing their methodology, results, and conclusions following standard scientific format and guidelines.

  • Students showcase their findings at various competitions, symposia, and science fairs at local, regional, national, and even international levels. This provides them with the opportunity to communicate their research effectively and receive feedback from peers and professionals in the field.

  • Exceptional research projects have the chance to be published in scientific journals, thereby contributing meaningfully to the scientific community. Moreover, students stand a chance to win accolades and recognition for their exemplary work through competitions and symposia.

Benefits

  • Scientific research encourages students to explore their curiosity, think outside the box, and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems

  • Students gain practical experience in scientific research, learning essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific writing.

  • By working closely with a mentor, students build valuable connections within the scientific community, opening doors to future opportunities in academia and industry. Students also learn to work collaboratively with peers and supervisors in a professional setting.

  • The program hones students' skills in research design, experimentation, data interpretation, and presentation, laying a solid foundation for their future academic and professional pursuits.

  • Participation in scientific research demonstrates to college admissions officers a student's passion for learning, ability to work independently, and dedication to a particular field of study, giving applicants a competitive edge during the college admissions process.

Science Research Academy

At Science Research Academy, we offer a variety of services that are tailored to meet the needs of students who are either beginning their journey, or are actively in the process, of conducing authentic scientific research. Science Research Academy is a complete package that will allow students to participate in the world of scientific research. Students will have access to a team of professionals with decades of experience as teachers, coaches, scientists, and researchers. Membership to the Science Research Academy will provide students with a guided 6-month experience that will provide them with all of the tools they require to create a successful project. This program is tailored for high school students passionate about exploring the world of science through hands-on experience and mentorship. Whether you are simply looking for resources to assist you with your research and the presentation of your findings, or you are looking to be matched with experience research teachers and/or professional scientists in the field, Science Research Academy offers what you need!

Dr. William Maelia

Founder / Research Coach

My name is Dr. William Maelia and I am the founder of Science Research Academy. I have over a decade of experience in the Science Research world, serving as the director of the Science Research program at Somers High School in New York. I am also the Fair Director of the Somers Science Fair, the largest first-year science research student competition of its kind in the country. Additionally, I serve as the site chairperson on the Executive Board of the REGENERON Westchester Science & Engineering Fair, the largest regional high school science competition in the country. I have a passion for research and engaging students in STEM through real-world research experience.

I earned my doctoral degree in Education from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. My doctoral research was titled, “The Effects of a Science Research Program and Experiential Learning Opportunity on High School Student Engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)”. Through my own research, it became clear that learning through hands-on, experiential pedagogies was a very powerful tool to engage students in STEM. It is my hope that by creating Science Research Academy, more students will be able to participate in this type of learning, fueling their love and passion for science beyond the classroom and into their future careers in science.

Who are our Research Coaches and Mentors?

At Science Research Academy, we take pride in our diverse team of experts who come from various academic institutions and fields of science from around the world. Our seasoned science research coaches have years of experience teaching science research in the classroom. Our mentors have backgrounds in academia and the private sector, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide students in their research endeavors. Whether you prefer in-person interactions or virtual collaborations, our mentors are available to support you every step of the way. Get ready to embark on a journey of scientific discovery with our exceptional research coaches and mentors at Science Research Academy!

Mr. Jamie Dowd

Research Coach

My name is James Dowd and I am a former research scientist from California and currently a science teacher and the Director of Science Research at Ardsley High School in Westchester County, just outside of NYC. I have over a decade of experience in the R&D and Business Development in the Global Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical sector as well as an additional 13 years in the science classroom in San Francisco, (Lowell High School) and in New York. I currently serve as a board member for both the REGENERON Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF) and the Somers Science Fair, two of the largest science research student competitions of their kind in the country. I am proud to have several grand award winners at ISEF as well as award winning finalists for the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), the Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS), Genius Olympiad and the New York State Science & Engineering Fair (NYSSEF). My role guiding and supporting student researchers is more than just a job, it is a lifestyle and one of my greatest passions of my life. It is an honor to be a part of the Science Research Academy to lead students down such a personal research pursuit pathway and watch them thrive each step of the way.

Mr. Jerry Zupan

Research Coach

I have been teaching research for the past ten years in all categories of research and am currently the Director of Science Research at Horace Greeley High School in New York. I have also been a presenter at the National Science Research Teachers Conference.  I find the passion students come up with their projects contagious and greatly enough assisting students in making their project to the next level.  I look forward to working with students reach their full potential with their completed research. I enjoy distance running and camping with my family in my spare time.