Nashville Students Showcase Research at Vanderbilt

On March 3, more than 150 high school students from Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools participated in the Interdisciplinary Science and Research Program (ISR) at John Overton High School. ISR is one of several programs of the Collaborative for STEM Education and Outreach (CSEO) at Vanderbilt University Peabody College of education and human development. The 10^th-12^th grade students who participated were from Hillsboro High School, John Overton High School, and Stratford STEM Magnet High School.

Now in its 15^th year, the ISR program is offered in partnership between MNPS and Vanderbilt. However, this was only the third time the symposium has been held. MNPS hosted the first symposium in 2022 at the Martin Professional Development Center, and Vanderbilt hosted the second one in 2023.

ISR student Liam Chapman presenting research

ISR student Vanessa Soria presenting research

ISR student presenting research

ISR student Lillie Cate Allen presenting research

ISR student Pedro Alfaro presenting research

Amy Crutchfield, assistant principal for the Academy of Interdisciplinary Research at John Overton High School, and Angela Eeds, executive director of the CSEO, addressed the students. Matthew Nelson, executive director for College and Career Readiness at MNPS, was also in attendance.

"ISR, a longstanding partnership between MNPS and VU, is one of the most powerful partnerships in the city, with students getting to participate in authentic scientific experiences that inform the rest of their educational journeys," Crutchfield said. "Without a doubt, the work our students are doing and get to witness will have a positive impact not only on their plans but on our city."

The high school students were mentored on their research projects by Vanderbilt scientists, including postdoctoral fellow instructors in the ISR program and researchers who hosted seniors in their labs for six-week research internships last summer. Many of the student projects have also received prizes and recognition at the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering's 2024 VINSE Nano Day, Tennessee Junior Academy of Science, and the Tennessee Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.

Speaking about the impact of the ISR program, one junior from John Overton High School said, "It made senior year look not as intimidating, and [it] felt more grounded. There were many types of science here, and I am more excited for my senior year."