The next Anthony Fauci, Katherine Johnson or Neil DeGrasse Tyson may be in the group of high school science students that recently took part in the Illinois Science and Technology Institute’s Student Research Showcase.
Some of the state’s best young STEM researchers – many of who are traditionally underrepresented in the STEM field, such as young women and students of color – presented their latest work virtually to a panel of experts, including ISTI board member Dr. James Gillespie of Sterling Bay’s Prysm Institute, who evaluated their research and will help them, along with other mentors and professionals, make more of their work. Gillespie is executive director of the Institute, a Chicago based accelerator in life sciences.
“It’s a collaboration on our virtual platform, the Mentor Matching Engine,” said Sarah Perret-Goluboff, Illinois Science and Technology Institute program manager. “The program includes everything from freshman biology to senior research courses. Our program gives the young people experience presenting their research to people beyond their school and encourages them to continue their inquiry.”
In addition to the Prysm Institute’s Gillespie, other experts evaluating the young researchers work include: Kyla Guru, founder and CEO of Bits N’ Bytes Cybersecurity Education & Co-Founder of GirlCon Chicago; Chante Martinez Thurmond, co-founder, The Darkest Horse; Maija Renko, professor and Coleman Chair of Entrepreneurship, Depaul University; and Andrew Nyborg, senior director, Development Sciences, Horizon Therapeutics.
The 8-year-old ISTI program involves 1,000 students in 24 high schools across Illinois. It’s less a competition than a networking opportunity. The students are invited to apply to the showcase to provide additional exposure for their research. The young researchers are then asked questions by mentors and professionals who offer counsel and, often, assistance with next steps, that could involve a college application.
It should come as no surprise that social science and psychology research have lately dominated. In 2018 44% of the student researchers were female. That number climbed to 56% in 2020. The event itself can be watched by clicking here.
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