The integration of research in the High Tech curriculum is really crucial for introducing the core ideas of scientific inquiry. The most important lesson I learned during my time at High Tech was how to make the leap from a spark of interest in a subject area to an exciting project generating new knowledge. It seems rather basic in principle, but nonetheless thinking about how to think like a researcher, asking all the questions you have, and having a hunger to find out what is known and what isn’t, is absolutely necessary. I will be continuing my research endeavors at Duke University, where I will apply the skills I learned these past four years to research in biomedical engineering. In the past year, ReconX has expanded to offer even more resources and opportunities to eager students, and I’m excited to see the projects that our motivated High Tech students will be creating.

High Tech introduced me to a world of research and scientific inquiry that I never would have thought to explore. Having now conducted three research projects and competed in countless research events, I am thrilled to say that this is a passion I wish to continue for many years to come. I will be furthering my education at Syracuse University for bioengineering and neuroscience, and will be active in the research labs next Spring. High Tech provided support and opportunities that I'll never forget. In my senior year, I shared my work at the New Jersey Academy of Science and was an official delegate for the American Association for Academies of Science, as well as being officially published in the Journal of Emerging Investigators. I hope that future generations of High Tech students continue to explore their passions in research, and truly consider the opportunities at hand.

Hi I’m Abhay, a senior at High Tech. I believe that High Tech’s research program has been one of the most rewarding parts of my high school experience. Having started during sophomore year I didn’t know how involved I would become in this process. I just thought of a random topic that I thought was cool and started working with Dr. Ellsworth and Mr. Roche (now retired) to come up with the best experimental design for my idea. My biggest piece of advice is taking it seriously from the get-go. The first part of the project is finding a good idea. This is also the most important part. I know from personal experience that once you have a solid idea, the research mentors and research lab will both allow you to create an amazing experiment and/or solution to the problem of interest. I also think entering a project in competitions could seem intimidating, but I know it is worth it. Being able to explain your project to judges is a different skill, which can only be developed if one thoroughly understands their topic. The judges also asked me questions that helped me refine my project each year into something even more accurate and in-depth. Good luck to everyone trying to do research!

Taking part in a research project has been one of the most rewarding experiences that I’ve had throughout high school. I got to tackle a problem I was passionate about, learn about a variety of technical concepts I was interested in, and met so many like-minded people at research competitions. More than researching a topic that sounds impressive or following research guidelines to the tee, what I’ve found that judges care the most about is your genuine interest in your project and the work you’ve put in to contribute to its advancement. For anybody who wants to take on a research project, I recommend you find a problem that you are passionate about and go all in on solving it. Throughout the research process, make sure you keep an open mind and have fun.