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National Science Competition Finalists Explore Cutting-Edge Research at Johns Hopkins APL
Finalists in the 2024 Society for Science Regeneron Science Talent Search competition visited APL earlier this month for a series of educational tours.
Credit: Johns Hopkins APL/Craig Weiman
An elite group of high school seniors visited the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, earlier this month as part of the , the nation’s oldest science research competition for high school students. The visit, part of a series of educational tours for competition finalists, offered the young researchers a firsthand look at the cutting-edge work being done at APL.
“We were honored to have this remarkable group of STEM students visit APL as part of their final round,” said Elise Buckley, academic programs specialist in . “These high school students are involved in advanced, cutting-edge research and are the STEM change-makers of the future.”
Among the highlights of the March 11 visit were tours of APL labs focused on 4D printing, genomics sequencing operationalization and , as well as a demonstration in APL’s Intelligent Systems Center (ISC) on prompt engineering. The APL Innovation Program’s Briana Vecchio-Pagan led a discussion with three scientists and engineers — data scientist Megan Baker, senior mathematician Elizabeth Reilly and computational scientist Joe Downs — on robotics and artificial intelligence.
Julian Alford, of APL’s Air and Missile Defense Sector, shared lunch with the students and talked about his work as a combat systems analyst for Navy ships.
Credit: Johns Hopkins APL/Craig Weiman
During lunch, the students met established Laboratory professionals like Ben Barnhart, who has more than 25 years of experience in engineering systems for military and industrial applications; Nelli Mosavi-Hoyer, a space missions program manager; and Julian Alford, a combat systems analyst for Navy ships.
“We offered students a glimpse into the future of STEM fields, highlighting the incredible potential and versatility of careers in science and technology,” Buckley said. “And the lunch underscored those experiences by allowing students to make valuable connections and gain insights into potential career paths.”
Jim Miller, APL’s assistant director for policy and analysis, talked with the students about the Laboratory’s commitment to integrating national security and research priorities with STEM education.
Credit: Johns Hopkins APL/Craig Weiman
The visit concluded with remarks from Jim Miller, APL’s assistant director for policy and analysis, who emphasized the Laboratory’s commitment to integrating national security and research priorities with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. He highlighted the critical need for STEM and tech-literate individuals at all levels of government and the importance of being an engaged citizen in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, where advancements often outpace the formulation of relevant policies. Miller also encouraged the students to consider the societal impacts of their scientific endeavors.
One of the visiting scholars, David Cao, 18, was an intern last summer, assigned to APL’s Space Exploration Sector.
Credit: Johns Hopkins APL/Craig Weiman
The visit was a homecoming of sorts for one of the students. David Cao, 18, was an intern last summer, assigned to APL’s Space Exploration Sector. Set to graduate this May from the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Virginia, Cao was selected as a top 10 finalist for the competitive Society for Science honor based on his project, “.”
“I am absolutely thrilled that David is a part of this incredible group of students,” said Jessica Goodard, ASPIRE program specialist at APL. “We can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next.”