“My name is Keelyn and I participated in Science Research from 2015-2018. When I was younger, I had always been interested in science, and felt most interested in my STEM classes. To have a space to explore this interest was very excited, and really informed my future. Because of this class, I was able to talk about the academic subjects I was interested in with like-minded peers and was able to see what I wanted to do with my future. I made connections with experts in the field that I have continued to keep in touch with. I used these connections to get internships in college and talked about my research in every college and job interview. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to be exposed to the world of research so early in your life.
Science Research also opened up a new interest of mine - medicine. I had always wanted to help people but never felt I would fit into the field. Allowing me to go into labs and meet with patients helped inform my decision to pursue medical school, and I am now an M1 at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY as an MD/MPH candidate. I truly would have never considered this career path without the guidance of Dr. Maelia and the other mentors I obtained and the opportunity to explore my interests and the field.
I owe my entire future career to this process and I am so thankful it was offered to me.”
— Keelyn F.
“Although I didn’t go to college for the research discipline I focused on, I can confidently say I would not have excelled in my coursework and extracurricular activities if it wasn’t for science research. I am a UI/UX designer, and a student leader - so it surprises people when I tell them that I did collegiate level cellular biology research in high school and attended multiple international student research competitions.
For one, I wouldn’t have gotten into a school like Georgia Tech without science research. I didn’t grow up doing the same activities for multiple years, and this program gave me a sense of prolonged and dedicated work ethic that I did not gain from any other experience in high school. Science research as a topic may not be something you know that you want to do, but the program is so much more than that to me and so many people. My science research program shaped me into one of the strongest speakers in my class with the ability to explain complex concepts in a more digestible way.
These skills have allowed me to lead student organizations and to teach and mentor others in and out of the classroom. This program is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for real-life experiences in a less overwhelming environment.”
— Sun G.
“The single best academic decision of my life was joining Dr. Maelia’s Science Research program.
While his student, I had the opportunity to learn Python, code my own machine learning algorithms, and write two research papers on financial forecasting.
Not only did the science research process open doors as far as college admissions, but it prepared me for my college and professional work experience.
Everything from Powerpoint, to writing papers, to public speaking, networking, and the art of persuasion — all of these skills were honed in the independent scientific research that I conducted, and each put me at a great advantage upon arriving at University.
To anyone who has the opportunity to work with the Science Research Academy, or in a Science Research program, TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY. Science Research changed my life — and it undoubtedly can do the same for you.”
— Matthew K.
“I cannot accredit science research enough for giving me direction in discovering more about my topic of interest and myself as a learner. My experience completing my project, from technical writing, reading dense text, and presenting (which I was never particularly good at before) has become inextricably tied to my development. I was able to speak to that throughout the college application process. The first question in my MIT admissions interview was about which classes I've taken. The second was about what I've done outside of those classes. Saying ‘science research’ opened the conversation from a room to a field. I talked about competitions and symposiums, and—while that had its benefits—my interviewer was also most curious about why I chose my topic, what skills I developed, and if I planned to continue my work.
Science research is a story: What are you curious about? Is there a problem or question on your mind? What do you care about? Why? And is there something new you can contribute or find?
In my experience, those answers are incredibly valuable personally and professionally, and those are questions I'll continue to ask while studying at MIT.“
— Angelina A.
“My time conducting independent scientific research while in high school has been an incredible opportunity for me to explore career options, improve my resume, and build important connections.
Working in a lab at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has both solidified my desire to pursue biology in college, and provided me with access to professionals in the fields I’m most interested in. The experience that came with the program has also been unique and indispensable for gaining real healthcare training. Science Research is easily the most valuable program that I’ve participated in during high school and I’m extremely grateful for everything I’ve gained from it.”
— Conner E.