At the start of this school year, we had only previewed the experience of being in the Independent Science Research Program by watching complex senior presentations or hearing whispers of this prestigious program in the hallways. Throughout our first year in the program, we have learned so much from peer presentations, lab research, paper analysis, and class discussions. Going into the summer, we have all started to branch into different research topics, and we are beyond grateful for our excellent teachers and experienced upperclass peers who have provided us with the support we needed to do so.
Throughout this year of reading research papers and creating presentations, the Science Research Program has greatly helped us expand our knowledge in many different fields of science. We heard from guest speakers and had the honor to learn about their scientific journeys as we looked to build ones of our own. We sent out emails to potential mentors and matched with various labs across the city. Most importantly, the Independent Science Research Program has taught us to think like scientists: to be curious, to explore, to question, and to persevere.
We are very grateful for all the Independent Science Research Program has done to make our sophomore year a wonderful and unique experience.
We want to thank Ms. Machac, Mr. Holzinger, Ms. Schmitz, and all of our upperclass peers who have made our time in the Independent Science Research Program so meaningful. We are incredibly excited to embrace the research and analysis that junior year will bring and to see the young scientists we will become over the summer!
The Science Research Class of 2026