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While the Science Fair is a competition, true success and innovation in STEM come from collaboration and community. Our inaugural MSEF Student Symposium aimed to inspire by connecting students with STEM professionals, state-wide resources, and fellow enthusiasts.
The event was a dynamic mix of learning, networking, and fun. We were honored to host a panel discussion featuring three remarkable professionals:
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Amelia Hall, a research scientist at The Broad Institute
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Albert Farah, a PhD student at UMass Lowell
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Vyshnavi Vennelakanti, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University
Each offered a glimpse into their unique journeys, sharing their work, backgrounds, and the resilience that has driven their success in STEM fields.
The highlight of the day was the keynote address by Ricardo Harripaul, a Computational Research Fellow at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. Ricardo delivered an inspiring talk on his research into intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disorders. His engaging presentation prompted numerous questions, and he generously stayed to address them all!
Students also had the opportunity to connect with peers from across the state, learning about MSEF's mentoring support, showcasing their science fair projects, and exploring a mini expo featuring representatives from Beaver Works Summer Institute, MassBioEdu, BU Engineering, MIT MITES, Wentworth, Merrimack, STEMMIES, TUFTS, UMass Amherst, Massasoit, MIT Admissions, and Bridgewater State.
Overall, the symposium was a day of connection, community-building, and, as one student put it, "a ton of fun"!
A special thank you to MIT for hosting, AbbVie for sponsoring, and National Grid for supporting our mentoring program.
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