Packer Independent Science Research Symposium

Welcome from the Independent Science Research Program Coordinator

Thank you for visiting our website, which is taking the place of our 11th Annual Independent Science Research Symposium. These last three months have been quite a whirlwind and an exercise in adaptability. Juniors and seniors went from regular work in their respective research institutions to completing whatever research they could do from home. For some this meant continuing to read research papers to gain a deeper understanding of their research, for others it meant data analysis, and for others it meant shifting their current projects to new research to help combat Covid-19. Many of our sophomores had found mentors prior to social distancing measures, but all internships are currently up in the air as labs continue to be closed or working with considerably reduced staff. The students in the research program have shown patience, flexibility and ingenuity as they have navigated this unprecedented situation.

It is unfortunate that we are unable to gather together in person for our annual Independent Science Research Symposium, but I’m pleased that the students are able to share their work with you through this website. Through the help of an incredibly talented and hard-working team of computer savvy research students (Harrison Resnick, Zoë Rutkovsky, Eric Berg, Ethan Friedman, Millie Howard and Ethan Weisberg) and the artistic vision of Sarah Thau along with guidance from Dr. Greg Benedis-Grab, the students and I have put together this website for you. All students have posters presenting work that they have completed, work that they will do, or an interesting article they read. Seniors have recorded themselves presenting their research just as they would have at the live symposium.

A huge thank you goes out to the incredible research teachers, Lutz Holzinger and Tamara Machac, who have guided the work of these students and also to the mentors who have welcomed these students into their labs, and hopefully will continue to do so. Please enjoy exploring the students’ work, and if you would like to ask any questions or provide any feedback, please email me.

Warmly,

Erin Schmitz

Independent Science Research Program Coordinator

Learn more about Packer's Independent Science Research Program

Here is the recording of the May 20 Zoom event. This event introduced the program, celebrated the seniors, and launched this website.