Students present their work at annual science symposium

Emma Malabanan, Staff Writer

The 19th Annual Science Research Symposium took place on May 16 at 6 p.m. at the high school.

During the symposium, hardworking sophomores, juniors, and seniors presented projects to other parents and several other students, including freshmen looking into the course.

“The night of the Science Research Symposium was actually better than I expected. It has been one of the most organized events so far,” said Ms. Flanagan, the teacher in charge of the science research program.

“I feel that the symposium was successful and ultimately showed our three-year progression to the community,” said Justin Brander, a senior studying “The Effects of Social Media Advertising and Sales-Associate Relationship on Consumer Spending Motivations” and a speaker in the Behavioral II/Material Sciences session.

The students currently working in science research programs are researching a wide array of different topics. The symposium is their chance to show their dedication to their research topics and their progress through either one, two, or three years of work.

“I think the Science Research Symposium turned out great. Everyone’s posters and presentations looked awesome, and there was great attendance from families and friends,” said Reid Backus, a senior who was studying natural growth rates of brain metastases and a speaker in the Biomedical session.

The Science Research Symposium gave other freshmen participating in the science research program the opportunity to see what kind of work they would be dedicated to for the next three years.

“I would absolutely recommend this program. It has helped me build skills in networking, public speaking, and research,” said Brander.

Backus agreed: “I would definitely recommend the science research program to freshmen thinking about applying to the program for sophomore year. The course sets students up to conduct professional research, and, personally, I had the opportunity to shadow my mentor, who is a neurosurgeon, while he conducted some of his research.”

“The program also teaches students valuable lessons that can be applied far beyond high school, such as networking and public speaking skills,” said Backus.