Wayne State University College of Education hosts the 61st Annual Regional Michigan Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
The Wayne State University College of Education recently hosted the Southeast Michigan Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS). An annual event that brings together talented high school students from across the region to present their original research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), this year’s symposium provided students with an opportunity to showcase their hard work, obtain feedback from experts and earn scholarships.
Sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and administered by the National Science Teaching Association, JSHS encourages high school students to engage in original research projects focused on a wide range of STEM fields. The regional event, which took place in the College of Education Building on Wayne State’s main campus, served as a vital steppingstone for students to pursue advanced education and careers in science and engineering.
“The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium is a prime example of how the college fulfills its mission to support academic excellence and the community we serve,” said Denise Taliaferro Baszile, dean of the College of Education. “By providing high school students with the chance to present their research and interact with professionals in STEM, we’re helping them lay the foundation for future success. This initiative directly connects with Wayne State’s Prosperity Agenda, which is all about fostering opportunities for academic and professional growth.”
In addition to presenting their research, students engaged in a variety of activities designed to enrich their experience. They toured Wayne State’s campus and research labs in the A. Paul Schaap Chemistry Building, receiving a firsthand look at the cutting-edge research conducted at the university. Students also heard from a range of distinguished speakers, including faculty members and industry professionals, who shared insights about the benefits of engaging in research and the many career paths available to those pursuing STEM fields. The program continued a partnership with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center in Warren, Michigan, which provided volunteer personnel as judges for engineering, computer science, and physics-related research sessions.
Sandra Yarema, regional director of the Southeast Michigan JSHS and associate professor of science education, emphasized the event’s importance in helping students develop essential skills for their future academic and professional pursuits.
“The symposium is more than just an event for high school students to present their research,” she said, “It is an opportunity for them to develop critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills that will serve them well in college and beyond. By participating in JSHS, students are exposed to the world of STEM research and gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in these fields.”
More than 50 students from 25 different schools attended this year’s symposium. Ten students won regional awards. The top five oral finalists will progress to the national Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, scheduled to take place in Chantilly, Virginia, April 22-26, and compete for scholarships totaling up to $12,000 for the top winners.
Oral Finalists:
- 1st Place: Maya Hammoud ($2,000) Decoding ASXL3: A Novel Biomarker and Treatment for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Detroit Country Day, Grade 11
- 2nd Place: Diya Ramakrishnan ($1,500) Detecting Polyps in the Colon Using Machine Learning, Saginaw Arts & Science Academy, Grade 10
- 3rd Place: Miriam Haddad ($1,000) Magnetizing Oil: A New Paradigm for Cleaning Up Aquatic Oil Spills, Saginaw Arts & Science Academy, Grade 12
- 4th Place: Paul Garrison The Use of Red Phosphorus in Polypropylene to Increase Flame Retardancy in Electric Vehicles, Renaissance High School, Grade 11
- 5th Place: Michael Hua MSST Transformer: A Novel Multimodal Spatial-Spectral-Temporal Transformer for Hyperspectral Imaging in Plant Growth Modeling, Cranbrook-Kingswood Upper School, Grade 10
- 6th Place (1st Alternate): Vineet Saravanan Neuro TRNN: Decoding Thoughts Using Transformer RNNs on a Low-Cost EEG Headset, Cranbrook-Kingswood Upper School, Grade 12
- 7th Place (2nd Alternate): Arnav Sharma A Neuro-Spatial Discovery of ALS Biomarkers Using Graph Neural Networks with Applications to Multi-Target Drug Discovery, International Academy East, Grade 10
Posters (Regional Presentation):
- 1st Place: Siddhant Pandit ($300 e-gift card) Optimizing Graphene Production Through Chemical Vapor Deposition Using Graphene 'Seeds' and Dopants, Huron High School, Grade 11
- 2nd Place: Srihan Sankepalle ($200 e-gift card) Chemically Activated Photocatalytic Nanofoam for Microplastic Removal and Degradation, Northville High School, Grade 10
- 3rd Place: Lindsay Kennedy ($100 e-gift card) Understanding Oxygen's Role in Neural Function: Insight into Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Effects on the Body, Wylie E. Groves High School, Grade 12
Beyond the awards, the symposium serves as an important milestone for students who aspire to pursue STEM degrees and careers. Many past participants have gone on to conduct research at the undergraduate and graduate levels and launched successful careers in fields, including medicine, engineering, technology and environmental science. The event plays a key role in inspiring students to continue their research endeavors and take the next steps in their academic journeys.
“Through events like the JSHS, the college is helping to foster a thriving STEM community by providing young people with the tools, opportunities and inspiration they need to succeed,” said Yarema. “The symposium underscores our commitment to preparing the next generation of STEM educators, scientists, researchers, engineers and innovators, and leaders and offers a platform for high school students to explore their passions and set the stage for their future in science and technology.”
by Chastity Savage