Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Showcases High School Students' Original Research

UAlbany hosts best of NY state student research March 22 and 23

 

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 16, 2010) -- The 25th Annual Upstate New York Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) will bring more than 400 science research students and teachers from 41 Capital District and upstate high schools to the University at Albany for one of the largest forums in the state for high school students conducting original scientific research.

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, held March 22 and 23, features students presenting original research. The students have been selected from competitions in three regional New York symposia.

"These students have worked very hard," said UAlbany Professor Daniel Wulff, who, with Professor Timothy Lance co-directs the Symposium. "They have some amazing stories to tell of their research findings."

The research presented at JSHS is wide-ranging. Past research topics included early detection methods for Alzheimer's disease, the molecular causes of cancer, a study on vaccinations for cervical cancer, the growth of black holes in the early universe, development of a revolutionary new indicator of water quality, the effects of autism on siblings, the relationship between academic achievement and religion, the physics of ballet, and the design for an all-terrain wheelchair.

Scientists and industry experts from the University at Albany, Wadsworth Health Center, GE Global Research, Albany Medical College, and Albany Molecular Research will judge the research. Student finalists from five categories of science are announced during the awards dinner on the Symposium's first evening, and compete for top honors the next day before a panel of judges.

An exhibition of artwork will be presented by Shaker High School students whose creations were inspired by research projects of students participating in the science research curriculum.

Area schools expected to participate in the symposium include Shaker High School, Academy of the Holy Names, Bethlehem High School, Burnt Hills-Ballston Spa High School, Saratoga Springs High School and Columbia High School.

UAlbany's Professor John Delano will deliver the symposium keynote address March 22 at 6 p.m. in the Ballroom of the Campus Center on the University of Albany�s main campus. A Distinguished Teaching Professor since 2000, Delano is the associate director of NASA's  New York Center for Astrobiology and director of Education and Public Outreach. Delano has been a member of several scientific review panels including the President�s NASA Commission on the Moon, Mars and Beyond, and on NASA'sLunar Science Institutes Review Panel. He is a recipient of the State University of New York Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

UAlbany College of Arts and Sciences Dean Edelgard Wulfert will open the symposium. Wulfert has served as director of the Clinical Doctoral Program in Psychology and chair of the Department of Psychology. Wulfert is a recipient of the University's Excellence in Teaching Award, and the Chancellor�s Excellence in Teaching Award.

This year�s Symposium is sponsored by the University at Albany (University in the High School Program); the Academy of Applied Science; the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force; the American Chemical Society; and corporate sponsors including GE Global Research; Pitney Bowes; Albany Molecular Research Inc.; Capital District Physicians Health Plan; NYS United Teachers; Superpower Inc.; Time Warner Cable; and Surpass Chemical.

Program Overview:
Monday, March 22, 2010:
1 p.m. - Opening remarks by Edelgard Wulfert, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, University at Albany, and Daniel Wulff, JSHS co-director and professor of biology, University at Albany. Campus Center Ballroom.
Certificates of Accomplishment will be awarded to all student presenters at the Symposium.
2:30 - 4:30 p.m. - Concurrent sessions of students� research projects presented to a team of judges. Breakout rooms.
4:30 -5:30 p.m. - Posters on display for judging. Campus Center Fireside Lounge.
6 p.m. - Awards dinner, keynote address by Professor John Delano. Campus Center Ballroom.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010:
9 a.m. - Presentations by the five finalists. Ballroom.
11 a.m.-12 p.m.- Four concurrent workshops for participants. Breakout rooms.
12:15 p.m.- Awards luncheon and announcement of five final winners and scholarship awards.

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