TAS Upper School Students Shine at the 13th Annual Scientific Research Symposium

The 13th Annual TAS Scientific Research Symposium Poster Session brought the Upper School community together to celebrate student-driven research on December 5 and 6, 2024. Over 80 students proudly presented their semester-long projects, representing a variety of scientific research courses, including Research in Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Synthetic Biology, and Nanotechnology. 

Hosted in the H-Block building, the event buzzed with curiosity and discovery as students explained their findings to peers, teachers, and parents. This interactive setting allowed participants to engage directly with the students’ work, sparking lively discussions and thought-provoking questions. 

The research topics reflected a remarkable diversity of interests and a shared commitment to addressing real-world problems. For instance, one group of students explored the environmental impact of microplastics, testing ways to reduce their harmful effects on marine ecosystems. Another team focused on developing innovative materials for medical applications, such as biodegradable sutures to improve patient outcomes. Meanwhile, projects in synthetic biology showcased how engineered microorganisms could play a role in producing silk bone grafts and chitin bulletproof vests. 

Dr. Hsu, Upper School Science and Scientific Research teacher, underscored the significance of the symposium: “The session is a culmination of months of dedication, experimentation, and problem-solving. It provides students with an authentic experience of what it means to communicate scientific research and defend their findings. Watching them grow as scientists is the most rewarding part of my job.” 

The students also reflected on their learning experiences. One student shared, “I’ve learned so much about the iterative process of research. Every challenge pushed me to refine my approach, and presenting my work to others gave me a deeper understanding of its potential impact.” 

Another participant described the collaborative energy that filled the room: “It’s inspiring to see how everyone’s projects connect to real-world issues. I feel like I’m contributing to something bigger.” 

The event welcomed projects at various levels of complexity, from introductory research in foundational science courses to advanced independent studies. This breadth highlighted TAS’s commitment to nurturing critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving skills across all grade levels. 

The symposium not only celebrated academic achievement but also showcased the resilience, creativity, and determination of the students. As the event came to a close, it was clear that the seeds of innovation had been planted, and these aspiring scientists are poised to take their next steps toward making a meaningful difference in the world.