Nayem Haque not only wants to inspire tomorrow’s scientists, but also to motivate the next generation of mentors who train these aspiring science professionals.
Published July 17, 2024 By Nicole Pope
A mentor for The New York Academy of Sciences is motivated to inspire tomorrow’s scientists as a result of his own positive classroom experience nearly a decade and a half ago.
“Walking through the doors of my old school as an adult, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. The sight of bustling classrooms, dedicated teachers, and supportive community members highlighted just how much had changed since I attended the school 14 years ago,” says Nayem Haque, a PhD student in biomedical science at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, who has returned to his elementary school in the South Bronx to provide after-school mentoring in science.
Nayem is one of more than 1,500 mentors that the Academy has placed in over 800 area classrooms since 2010 as part of its highly regarded Afterschool STEM Mentoring Program (ASMP).
Creating “a self-sustaining loop”
The young scientist hopes his engagement will inspire the children he teaches to embrace science and, eventually, follow in his footsteps and help others around them.
“Maybe they will come back to their old school like I did, and create a self-sustaining loop,” he says.
The mentors – most of them students and early career scientists – are placed in after school classrooms at schools to increase STEM instruction for students. When Nayem was in elementary school, his exposure to science was minimal.
He only discovered his passion as an undergraduate student studying biological sciences when he had an opportunity to work with one of his professors, in a research lab. From then on, Nayem’s path was set: the young man opted to pursue a career in biomedical sciences.
“I like research. I like the independence of having your own project but also being part of a team,” he says. “I’ve been able to travel to attend conferences and present my research.”
After obtaining a BSc in biological sciences from the University at Buffalo, Nayem is now studying for a doctorate. When he heard about the ASMP program, he jumped at the opportunity.
“I’m giving back to the community I grew up in. When I was in school, a lot of the other students were smarter than me, but growing up in the South Bronx, it’s very easy to get mixed up with the wrong people – easy for people to end up in less-than-ideal situations,” he says. “I feel that if students had the opportunities and the exposure, they could end up in higher education and it could have a big impact on their lives.”
Effective Engagement Begins at an Early Age
Getting children interested in science at an early age is important because it allows them to pursue opportunities to join special science programs or camps at the elementary or middle school level, Nayem believes. He finds second and third graders particularly inquisitive: they display a genuine interest by asking a lot of questions in class, Nayem has observed. By fifth grade, students can get more distracted, but he deploys proven techniques to keep them engaged.
“We work with a site mentor – an after-school specialist, who helps us prepare the lessons and keep the class focused,” says Nayem.
These specialists work with the students both during and outside of ASMP programming and assist mentors with strategies to manage the dynamics of an informal classroom environment.
In addition, two scientist mentors are often paired up to teach, which makes it easier to work with individual children and ensure that all students are engaged with the lessons.
“If kids don’t get the concepts we teach and we move on, they lose interest and won’t learn,” Nayem says.
The mentors are given a 10-week curriculum and the resources necessary to conduct high quality, hands-on experiments in the classroom.
“This semester, students are learning about the properties of light,” explains Nayem, who enjoys co-mentoring with a friend he recruited for the ASMP program. “We teach them about lasers, microscopes, and optical illusions. Depending on their age group, some kids prefer a lectured approach; but younger ones prefer a hands-on approach and experiments.”
An Important Resource
After-school science classes can have a transformative effect on young school children.
“The ASMP program is a step in the right direction. It’s a program that can foster a lot of interest in STEM in places where there aren’t many resources,” Nayem says. “It is really critical for students to have this head start.”
But mentors, too, benefit from the program. Aside from the satisfaction of serving the community, Nayem says that mentoring school children of different ages and having to adapt his teaching approach and vocabulary has helped him develop his communication skills.
“It has helped me with professional presentations, when I present my research to the school and faculty,” Nayem says, adding that he is considering a teaching career. “I try to break down my presentation as much as possible, so I usually get good feedback.”
Now in the second year of his PhD program, the young man plans to remain an ASMP mentor until he completes his doctorate. To other young scientists who, like him, want to help the next generation discover STEM, he strongly advocates joining the ASMP.
“It’s a really fulfilling opportunity. It is especially rewarding to see the switch that happens several weeks into the program in students who may not have been very engaged at the beginning,” he says. “You see you’re making a tangible change.”
Rising young stars in science are celebrated for their innovative ideas in artificial intelligence and sustainability applications.
By Kaitlin Green, Senior Program Manager, Education
Published July 11, 2024
The New York Academy of Sciences’ Junior Academy celebrated the hard work and dedication of students from the 2023-24 academic year on June 27th, 2024, during the annual Virtual Student Symposia.
More than 80 students, mentors, coaches, sponsors and partners, in 29 countries, were invited to celebrate a successful year of innovation. Meghan Groome, PhD, Senior Vice President of Education at the Academy, opened the proceedings with an inspiring address.
Meghan Groome, PhD, Senior Vice President of Education at The New York Academy of Sciences, presents during the live streamed Virtual Student Symposia on June 27, 2024. Photo by Nick Fetty.
“The Junior Academy was formed to provide a pathway for students and scientist mentors to begin a journey together – to do research together. As you give your first scientific talks today at The Academy, know that we’re so proud of your game changing research.” she said, reflecting on its history.
The strong bond between working scientists and students provides insights into the real-world scientific workplace to ensure a future pipeline of qualified STEM professionals.
“Science is about working together – working across differences, and we know that diversity drives innovation,” Dr. Groome concluded.
The Junior Academy proudly embodies that scientific diversity and creativity, which is evidenced by the creative solutions proposed by this year’s winners. The projects were judged on their overall presentation quality, scientific quality, innovation and design thinking, sustainability, potential, and collaboration.
The Winning Ideas
In order to hone their presentation skills, winning teams work with a communication coach to shape their presentations into five-minute informational speeches. As a result, the students delivered succinct team research project summaries.
In the Cognitive Classrooms Challenge students were asked to consider potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and efficient classroom environment. The six person AI4Access team from Qatar, India and the United States developed a tool that not only enriched the students’ education towards achieving an individualized learning experience, but also improved the workload and efficiency of the educator in maintaining a harmonious and well-managed environment where everyone can thrive. Mentor: Aryan C.
In the Green Homes, Green Schools, Green Communities Challenge, students were given the opportunity to think critically about environmental challenges that impact their lives and what they could do to improve those challenges. As a result, the six person Green team from Poland, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Tunisia designed a solution to enhance access and education to sustainable farming practices. Their solution can be applied both to large-scale and at-home farming practices, making it an excellent solution to improve environmental problems at all levels of a community. Mentor: Adeola A.
Students were tasked with designing an innovative approach to secure the supply of critical minerals in the transition to a fossil-free society in the Minerals of Technology Challenge. The six person MINnovators team from India and the United States researched the feasibility of using asteroid mining to reduce carbon emissions. Their solution has the potential to support a more environmentally sustainable ecosystem when compared to conventional mining practices. Mentor: Ilayda G.
In the spring Wearables Challenge, students were required to design or employ a wearable technology, or network of wearables, that can be utilized to address either public health issues surrounding non-communicable diseases or natural or manmade disaster response. The six person VisionXcelerate team from the United States and India focused on helping individuals with dementia by developing a pair of smart glasses integrated with AI and AR technologies to assist with daily tasks such as medication reminders and person recognition, along with fall detection systems and GPS tracking to assist caretakers.
The VisionXcelerate team during their presentation.
Students in the Circular Textiles challenge were tasked with choosing one aspect of the “take-make-waste” textile supply chain, and to design an innovative adaptation to fit the circular textile model. The six person EcoFashion team from India, Colombia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the United States developed an innovative approach to the Circular Textile model by developing a synthetic cellulose fiber using agricultural waste, sustainable color dye methods, and an app to educate users on sustainable fashion practices. Mentor: Xanthhi C.
Each team presentation was followed up by an audience Q&A.
The Immeasurable Impact of Mentors
What sets the Junior Academy apart from similar STEM education programs are the international professionals, graduate students, PhD candidates, and postdocs who understand the importance of mentorship and offer their time and expertise to the program. This year’s event included two distinguished mentors: Tomaz Maria Suller and Katherine Wert, PhD.
Tomaz joined the Junior Academy as a secondary student in 2018, participating in many challenges on the online platform Launchpad. He earned his bachelor’s in computer engineering at Poli-USP in Brazil and is currently pursuing a master’s in computer science and engineering at Politecnico di Milano in Italy. He became a Junior Academy mentor in the winter of 2023, advising five teams in four challenges. One of his teams, ZynoFiber, was recognized as a finalist in the Spring 2024 Circular Textiles challenge.
“Why are we here today?” Tomaz asked, reflecting on his time as both a Junior Academy student and now as a mentor. “We want to create a community of engineers, scientists, and innovators who will shape our future – and shape our present.”
Dr. Katherine Wert discovered the impactful mentoring opportunities at the Academy in 2012 during her time as a PhD student at Columbia University. She joined the Junior Academy in 2016 as one of the first cohorts of mentors onto Launchpad and has since mentored over 25 teams.
“I love that this program works hard to include anyone who has a true motivation toward STEM and does not simply focus on their global location or what resources they’ve had available to them,” Dr. Wert said.
Dr. Wert ended her address by advising both students and mentors to take advantage of the Junior Academy community, emphasizing the importance of communication and networking.
“You never know when someone’s crazy idea will mesh with others. The most successful teams I’ve worked with let everyone’s voices be heard – even the most out-of-the-box ideas. You are part of a very special and unique community of passionate STEM professionals and peers,” she said.
Looking Forward
As the 2023-24 academic year ends, Dr. Groome and the Education Team expressed their pride in this incredible community of innovators. They recognize that support for these programs is made possible because of the Academy’s generous partners and sponsors. These supporters’ belief in our mission of “science for the public good” ensures the Junior Academy opportunity is free for all students.
“To our mentors, your support, volunteerism, and deep understanding of the importance of STEM role models in our global community is unmatched. Thank you,” said Dr. Groome. “The Junior Academy students never cease to amaze us with their creativity, innovation, and willingness to connect with peers from around the world. Together, we create a truly special and welcoming environment. Cheers to a fantastic year.”
Throughout the year, The New York Academy of Sciences welcomes student interns who join staff teams to gain valuable firsthand experience working on practical projects that help to advance the Academy’s mission of “science for the public good.”
Published May 23, 2024
By Zamara Choudhary, Program Manager, Education
The New York Academy of Sciences has a long history of supporting aspiring young professionals through its broad portfolio of education initiatives. And this spring, the Academy was pleased to continue that legacy as a participant in the CUNY Spring Forward Internship Program which connects students with opportunities to further their professional development, apply their academic skills outside of the classroom, explore careers and gain critical work experience.
Founded in 2022, the Program covers four key areas: healthcare; marketing and communications; community service, non-profit, or social services; and STEM, all generously funded by the Research Foundation at CUNY. The Education team at the Academy hosted two interns through the STEM priority area: Isabella Alfaro and Sumaiya Sultana, who were supervised by Rosemary Puckett, Program Manager, Mentored Research Programs and Kaitlin Green, Senior Program Manager, Virtual Programs.
Isabella Alfaro, Mentor and Data Intern
A student at LaGuardia Community College studying computer science, Isabella came to the Academy seeking to improve her communication skills, learn more about professional collaboration and become more comfortable in a professional work environment.
Most of her time was devoted to the Clifford Chance Cornerstone initiative. This initiative engages students in Kigali, Rwanda by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions that address food scarcity and the effects of climate change in their communities. She provided key technical, administrative, and programmatic support, enriching the program with her expertise and perspectives.
Isabella’s long-term goal is to become a researcher in AI, and her internship at the Academy helped support and inform this interest. She attended AI & Society seminars and other Academy programming, which helped broaden her network and expose her to new ideas.
“My biggest takeaway from this internship experience was the importance of effective communication,” said Isabella. “By fostering open communication, we aligned our goals, addressed issues promptly, and completed the project efficiently. This experience taught me how to navigate and contribute to a collaborative environment, a skill that will be invaluable in my future career.”
Sumaiya Sultana, The Junior Academy Intern
Sumaiya is studying chemical engineering at The City College of New York. She was excited to gain new skills, further her professional development and discover new interests through an internship at the Academy. She worked closely with Kaitlin Green and Sabrina Debler, Program Assistant, Education to support The Junior Academy, a global community of young people, ages 13-17, who work together under the guidance of STEM experts to devise solutions for STEM Open Innovation Challenges.
Sumaiya was an incredible asset to The Junior Academy team in Education, preparing and fine-tuning multiple materials and taking advantage of opportunities for learning and personal growth. She intends to pursue internships and other opportunities that would allow her to broaden her technical knowledge and gain on-site training in engineering.
“The biggest take way from the internship was gaining valuable experience in navigating multiple projects in an office environment. I developed several key skills such as time management, adaptability, and effective communication,” Sumaiya said.
The culmination of Isabella’s and Sumaiya’s internships was The Academy Intern and Volunteer Showcase, where they developed their public speaking skills by sharing their accomplishments and insights about their internship experience to Academy staff. This was the first time both interns had given a group presentation, and they collaborated extremely well, highlighting each other’s strengths and finding the commonalities in their experiences.
“Isabella and Sumaiya both exceeded our expectations and contributed immensely to the Academy. This was their first internship experience, and it was a pleasure and a privilege to support them in this early part of their careers. We look forward to following their next steps and hosting more interns in the future,” said Meghan Groome, PhD, Senior Vice President of Education for the Academy.
Isabella (left) and Sumaiya pose with the bust of Charles Darwin, the renowned evolutionary biologist and an honorary member of the Academy, located in the Academy’s office at 115 Broadway.
In a world that often highlights only outcomes and successes, we tend to overlook the invaluable lessons and growth opportunities that failure can offer. This panel seeks to challenge that narrative by shining a spotlight on the importance of embracing missteps and mistakes as an essential part of the journey toward personal and professional fulfillment.
Please join The New York Academy of Sciences and Hudson River Park in this candid conversation, featuring a diverse panel of STEM professionals, where we delve into the often taboo notion of failure in STEM. Explore failure not as a final verdict, but as a natural and necessary part of a never ending learning process, and celebrate the beauty that comes with imperfection.
During this event, we will cover a variety of topics, including:
How to challenge conventional notions of failure and perfectionism, and understanding how setbacks can be stepping stones toward innovation
What it means to uncover the hidden opportunities for growth and self-discovery within moments of failure, and strategies to bounce back from failures, adapt to challenges, and persevere in the face of adversity
Discovering how embracing imperfection can fuel creativity, spark innovation, and lead to groundbreaking discoveries and unexpected solutions
This event is targeted toward high school and college students interested in STEM careers, but is open to anyone seeking to redefine failure as essential in creating a culture of learning, innovation, and resilience that empowers individuals to take risks and discover new parts of themselves and the world.
Immediately following our panel discussion, in-person attendees are invited to join in a networking session, where they can share their own experiences of failure and connect with panelists and fellow audience members in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
The New York Academy of Sciences and the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology are teaming up to advance science and innovation on a global scale.
Published March 12, 2024
By Nick Fetty
Nicholas B. Dirks, President and CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences, shakes hands with Zhiqiang Han, Executive Vice President of the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology, after signing a memorandum of understanding for a new collaboration between the two institutions.
Science diplomacy took a significant step forward recently, when Nicholas B. Dirks, President and CEO, The New York Academy of Sciences met with representatives from the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology (SAST) in Shanghai, to discuss hosting international science and technology forums. The resulting agreement codified a partnership dedicated to advancing long-term collaborations between the two institutions, as well as collaboration on youth scientific and technological education and innovations.
“Global issues require global solutions,” said Dirks. “This new partnership will be an excellent way for us to strengthen the relationship with our partners in Shanghai and other parts of China where promising STEM education, research and innovation is taking place. Given the current geopolitical climate, it is critical for us to develop these kinds of international collaborations to advance solutions for the public good globally.”
This sentiment was echoed by Professor Zhang Jie, President of the SAST. “A small step today is a giant leap for the future to promote scientific and technological cooperation between China and the United States, and even globally,” said Zhang. “Through the collaboration, we hope that more American scientists and even global scientists will understand Shanghai and China better, come to Shanghai and China, and carry out borderless scientific and technological cooperation.”
Enhancing the Junior Academy
A follow-up visit by Meghan Groome, PhD, Senior Vice President of Education at the Academy, advanced the conversation on potential in-person and virtual collaborations for students studying STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The Academy’s award-winning Junior Academy provides a scalable and impactful way for students to participate in virtual exchange programs. The Academy plans to expand its partnership with students of Shanghai through increased outreach to schools in the region.
Nicholas B. Dirks, President and CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences, and Jie Zhang, President of the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology.
While in Shanghai, Dr. Groome also addressed the Deeper Learning China conference, an event dedicated to building a community of educators in China focused on Project Based Learning. in collaboration with Deeper Learning Global. Dr. Groome encouraged educators to take a light-hearted approach to implementing AI in the classroom, while building their knowledge base about the strengths and weaknesses of different AI products. She also discussed future plans with the Deeper Learning China leadership, to explore ways to expand The Junior Academy, a “game changing” student collaboration and research network, to more schools in China.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Groome also participated in the first “China-United States Seminar focused on the Vision and Future Feasibility of Artificial Intelligence in Arts Education”. At the Nine Trees Performing Arts Complex in Shanghai, she spoke about the importance of understanding the impact AI will have on our societies as a whole, including the arts.
“Although my focus is STEM, I’m increasingly relying on my background in the arts to help explore and explain these large, technological shifts in our lives. We can no longer teach in siloes but must expand how the integration, or convergence of subjects can lead to a better understanding of our changing world,” she told the audience. “I believe that AI can expand access to the highest quality arts [and STEM] education through AI-driven software and instruments. Like with sports, AI can enhance our practice time, providing us with expert feedback anytime, anywhere. Finally, it can dramatically enhance our creativity and allow us to collaborate like never before.”
Join the New York Academy of Sciences, in partnership with NEOM, for a virtual Chat with a Scientist series, where you will gain insights into the significance of the oceans and their impact on our global ecosystem.
The ocean covers approximately 70% of Earth’s surface, and is a vital force in supporting the planet’s biodiversity and sustaining life, yet there is still so much left to be discovered and explored. Each one-hour event in this six part series will feature scientists, advocates, and leaders whose work focuses on marine life and the oceans themselves, and who will help shed light on the importance of understanding these vast bodies of water and their connection to life on land.
Participants will not only expand their knowledge, but also gain valuable insights into the world of scientific exploration and discovery. Most importantly, guest speakers will be available to answer questions directly from viewers, allowing you to engage with these experts in a meaningful way. While the events primarily target middle and high school students, attendees of all ages are welcome, and we especially encourage students to participate alongside their families.
Join the New York Academy of Sciences, in partnership with NEOM, for a virtual Chat with a Scientist series, where you will gain insights into the significance of the oceans and their impact on our global ecosystem.
discovered and explored. Each one-hour event in this six part series will feature scientists, advocates, and leaders whose work focuses on marine life and the oceans themselves, and who will help shed light on the importance of understanding these vast bodies of water and their connection to life on land.
Participants will not only expand their knowledge, but also gain valuable insights into the world of scientific exploration and discovery. Most importantly, guest speakers will be available to answer questions directly from viewers, allowing you to engage with these experts in a meaningful way. While the events primarily target middle and high school students, attendees of all ages are welcome, and we especially encourage students to participate alongside their families.
Join the New York Academy of Sciences, in partnership with NEOM, for a virtual Chat with a Scientist series, where you will gain insights into the significance of the oceans and their impact on our global ecosystem.
The ocean covers approximately 70% of Earth’s surface, and is a vital force in supporting the planet’s biodiversity and sustaining life, yet there is still so much left to be discovered and explored. Each one-hour event in this six part series will feature scientists, advocates, and leaders whose work focuses on marine life and the oceans themselves, and who will help shed light on the importance of understanding these vast bodies of water and their connection to life on land.
Participants will not only expand their knowledge, but also gain valuable insights into the world of scientific exploration and discovery. Most importantly, guest speakers will be available to answer questions directly from viewers, allowing you to engage with these experts in a meaningful way. While the events primarily target middle and high school students, attendees of all ages are welcome, and we especially encourage students to participate alongside their families.
Join the New York Academy of Sciences, in partnership with NEOM, for a virtual Chat with a Scientist series, where you will gain insights into the significance of the oceans and their impact on our global ecosystem.
The ocean covers approximately 70% of Earth’s surface, and is a vital force in supporting the planet’s biodiversity and sustaining life, yet there is still so much left to be discovered and explored. Each one-hour event in this six part series will feature scientists, advocates, and leaders whose work focuses on marine life and the oceans themselves, and who will help shed light on the importance of understanding these vast bodies of water and their connection to life on land.
Participants will not only expand their knowledge, but also gain valuable insights into the world of scientific exploration and discovery. Most importantly, guest speakers will be available to answer questions directly from viewers, allowing you to engage with these experts in a meaningful way. While the events primarily target middle and high school students, attendees of all ages are welcome, and we especially encourage students to participate alongside their families.
