At the beginning of 11th grade, we gave presentations to our ISR classes, telling them about the work we did over the summer, in our first months in the lab. As the year progressed, we dutifully wrote our research papers, updated our classes on our new, exciting work, and became mentors to the sophomores looking for their own labs, all while conducting our lab work every week. We then presented again, but this time, on the background of our research. Since the first time we stepped foot in the lab at the beginning of this past summer, we have grown so much in our knowledge about new tools, methods, and laboratory practices. From using a pipette or a PCR machine and doing data analysis to creating graphs and coding, we have learned so many new skills that will serve us well as we continue in the ISR program. Outside of the lab, our teachers and peers at Packer in the Independent Science Research program have helped us develop our professional science skills, such as creating informative, aesthetic posters and concise, in-depth presentations (with no single bullets anywhere to be seen!).
Throughout the year, we have been able to build close relationships with our labs and mentors, as well as our ISR teachers and peers, and we are so grateful for the help, mentorship, and support we have received from each and every one of them. None of us would have been able to get nearly this far without your commitment, and we want to extend our deepest gratitude. As the school year comes to a close, we look forward to another summer and school year full of learning and science!
The Science Research Class of 2025