May 16, 2025

As our current students wrap up AP testing and head into the final weeks of the semester, we want to use this Titan Odyssey to highlight some of the academic resources available at IMSA that help students thrive. The transition to IMSA’s rigorous curriculum can be a big adjustment, but you won’t face it alone. This edition of Titan Odyssey will introduce you to the tools, support systems, and opportunities designed to help you rise to the challenge, ignite your curiosity, and explore the interests that brought you to IMSA.

Also, look out for this week's brain teaser and a chance to win a raffle for some IMSA spirit wear!

All summer long, we’ll be sharing brain teasers in Titan Odyssey. Submitting your answer will earn you one entry for that month's raffle for IMSA spirit wear. Completing enrollment requirements by their deadline will also earn you additional entries!

 How it works:

• Read Titan Odyssey each week.
• Find the weekly question and submit your answer.
• Find the brainteaser and submit your answer to admissions@imsa.edu with the subject line "Brain Teaser [date of newsletter]"

Stay sharp, have fun, and win cool IMSA swag!

Students and parents are encouraged to utilize our online student portal to navigate the orientation and registration process. Password: NSO2028

If you have any questions about Placement Testing, please contact the Principal's Office at prinoffc@imsa.edu.

If you have any questions regarding orientation, please contact Emma Wilson Parker in the Student Affairs Office at ewilson1@imsa.edu.

Did you know IMSA has a wide network of Peer Tutors who are trained to help students succeed academically?

IMSA's Peer Tutors are trained and vetted to ensure that every student on campus has access to help when needed. These upperclassmen have demonstrated academic success and the ability to connect with their peers to create a welcoming environment for collaboration. All students are encouraged to utilize this amazing resource during their time at IMSA.

Peer tutors can conveniently be found in every residence hall and study space throughout the day and evenings. Students looking for help in their classes can utilize this webpage to find a tutor by subject, location, and availability, and schedule a time to meet with them.

Who's That Titan?

Dr. Linda Hefferin

Academic Support Specialist and ADHD Certified Educator



Dr. Hefferin works closely with students and their families to develop individualized education plans that include academic accommodations when needed.

She works with students and families to get a clear understanding of a student's needs, then holds collaborative meetings with the student, parent/guardian, teachers, Residential Counselor, and College and Academic Counselor to develop personalized education plans. Plans are reviewed each semester to ensure continued effectiveness. Dr. Hefferin also helps coordinate accommodations for standardized testing through the College Board and ACT.

In addition to creating educational plans, Dr. Hefferin helps run the IMSA Advocate Program. This program connects students with supportive adults on campus, or advocates, who help them adjust to life at the Academy. Students meet regularly with their advocate, who serves as a consistent point of contact, connects them with campus resources, offers a space to check in, and provides a friendly, familiar face while living away from home.

Students and families can reach Dr. Hefferin at lhefferin@imsa.edu or by visiting A107a.

Laying the Groundwork: Building a Strong Foundation in Scientific Research

Sophomores in Dr. Jessica Amacher and Ms. Sarah O’Leary Driscoll’s Methods in Scientific Inquiry classes have spent the year doing hands-on research on microplastics. This class helps prepare sophomores for future scientific studies, including Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) projects they can do as juniors and seniors.

Recently, the students visited Northern Illinois University (NIU), where they met Dr. Chit Wityi Oo, a Fulbright Scholar and a postdoctoral researcher in Environmental Studies. Because of Dr. Chit’s work, NIU is quickly becoming an important center for microplastics research.

While at NIU, students learned how to prepare samples and use a special tool called Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) imaging to study microplastics up close. Their work shows how IMSA students can make an impact in science, especially in this growing field that affects the health of people and the planet.

From Foundation to Breakthrough: Student Conducts Groundbreaking Study in Cancer Research

Riyan Jain '26 was one of only 30 students in the world (and the only high school student from Illinois) chosen to present at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in Chicago. AACR is the largest cancer research conference in the world, with over 22,000 people attending from 81 countries.

Riyan’s SIR project, which he worked on with Dr. Sumitabha Brahmachari at Rice University, uses computer models and artificial intelligence (AI) to study how cancer cells behave. His work focuses on predicting gene activity based on signals in the cell, which could help doctors better understand and diagnose cancer.

Riyan says that what he learned in his science classes at IMSA, like Cancer Research, gave him a strong foundation for this exciting project.

Examine the incomplete pattern of eight squares shown in the figure at the right. Determine the relationship between the three squares in each row and in each column, and then fill in the correct number of dots in the empty square in the lower right-hand corner. Finally, explain how you arrived at your answer.  

Note: The relationship for the rows and for the columns is the same!!

Email the solution to admissions@imsa.edu to be entered in the raffle!

Where will your IMSA Odyssey take you?

Notice of Nondiscrimination: IMSA prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator