On February 14, some of the country’s most talented high school researchers gathered in Boston for the American Junior Academy of Science (Ajas) Conference, held alongside the American association for the progress of science (AAAS) Annual meeting. As a highlight of the event, the MIT has again organized its famous “breakfast with scientists”, offering students a unique opportunity to connect with the main scientific minds around the world.
The Ajas conference began with an opening reception at MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, where the teacher of biology and chemistry Catherine Drennan Delivered the opening address, welcoming 162 secondary students of 21 states. The delegates were selected from the competitions of the State Academy of Science, winning the possibility of sharing their work and connecting with peers and professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
During breakfast, students have engaged with distinguished scientists, including MIT teachers, Nobel Prize winners and industry leaders, discussing research, career paths and the broader impact of scientific discovery.
Amy KeatingHead of the Biology Department of MIT, seated at a table with students ranging from secondary school juniors to second year students. The group has embarked on an open discussion on life as a scientist in a leading institution like MIT. A student expressed his concern about the competitive nature of innovative research environments, which prompted Keating to reassure them, saying: “MIT has a collaborative rather than competitive philosophy.”
At another table, winner of the Nobel Prize and former MIT Postdoc Gary Ruvkun Shared a light moment with the students, laughing at a tiktok video they had created to explain their Expo-Sciences project. Interaction reflects innate curiosity and excitation which lead to discovery at all stages of a scientific career.
Donna Gerardi, executive director of the National Association of Academies of Sciencesunderlined the importance of the Ajas program. “These students are not only in competition in scientific fairs; They are part of a wider scientific community. The links they establish here can shape their careers and their future contributions to science. »»
In addition to breakfast, Ajas’ delegates participated in a variety of enriching experiences, including laboratory visits, conference sessions and practical research activities.
“I am so excited to be able to discuss my research with experts and get advice on the next steps in my academic trajectory,” said Andrew Wesel, delegate of California.
A decisive characteristic of the Ajas experience was the accent on mentoring and collaboration rather than on competition. The delegates were officially enthroned as a life scholarship holders of the American Junior Academy of Science at the end of the conference, joining a distinguished network of scientists and researchers.
Sponsored by the MIT School of Science and School of Engineering, breakfast underlined the long-standing commitment to the MIT to promote young scientific talents. Professors and researchers took the opportunity to encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields, providing information on the tracks that have them.
“It was a joy to spend time with such passionate students,” says Kristala PratherHead of the MIT chemical engineering department. “One of the brightest moments for me was sitting next to a young woman who will join it in the fall – I just have to convince her to study Cheme!”