The Spence community recently gathered for the annual Independent Science Research (ISR) and Eco Fellows Symposium, where 15 juniors and 16 seniors presented their ongoing research. The program is a showcase of scholarship and inquiry-based learning at Spence. 

Prior to the presentations, a student panel offered insights on the fellowship experience and lessons learned. One fellow reflected: “I learned to fail constantly, and to use that failure as a learning opportunity. That’s what science is all about: iterating.” Panelists emphasized the program’s interdisciplinary appeal—how it enabled them not just to pursue their scientific interests but also to connect them to broader contexts like law, economics, and technology.

The Symposium began with 15 juniors and five seniors showcasing their ongoing research via detailed poster displays. Some of the topics ISR fellows chose to explore included the use of nobiletin in cancer treatment, the relationship between genetic mutations in schizophrenia and neural pathways, and refining robotic workflows in surgery.

Graduating ISR seniors presented their final projects with depth and confidence. Some research topics included: whether a plant’s preserved vascular system could be used as a framework for creating human tissue, how zinc builds up on surfaces for energy storage, and whether pulse rate variability in sleep could be a marker for early detection of Parkinson’s.

Senior Eco Fellows focused their research on approaches to sustainable transit systems, demystifying the public’s perception of offshore wind, and how to involve the youth in learning about the environment. In addition to delving into their passions, students gained hands-on, real-world experiences through these fellowships. 

Whether working in a lab, keeping kids engaged in learning, or managing multiple logistics, the experiences students gleaned will continue to shape their next steps. Fellows embody the School’s highest ideals of joyful scholarship. One student reflected on her journey: “Through my research I've found a greater sense of self and purpose. I can use science to benefit humanity in a multitude of ways. Plus, the research process never ends, which means being a researcher gives me the chance to learn constantly and ask questions relentlessly.”

Chloe B - “Exploring Human Aesthetic Preferences”

Alexy C. - “CRISPR/CAS9 Mediated Knockout of the BSR-D1Gene in Japonica Rice”

Avery C. - “From Bulk to Interface: Investigating Zinc Electroplating for Energy Storage by Electrochemical Crystal Quartz Microbalance”

Riksung G. - “Nobiletin’s Mechanisms and Potential as Cancer Treatment”

Margo L. - “Comparative Analysis of Pulse Rate Variability During Sleep in Parkinson’s Disease and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Patients”

Melissa L. - “From Plant to Human: Using Decellularized Spinach Leaves as Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering Scaffolds”

Kelsey M. - “The Effect of Deep Brain Stimulation Systems on Parkinson’s Disease”

Noor M. - “Investigating the Role of Ammonia in the Pathogenesis of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhosis Patients”

Caroline S. - “Grasping Objects Using a Mechanized and Retractable Arm”

Bella S. - “Neuroplastic Adaptations Induced by Dance-Based Motor Training in Children”

Graduating Eco Fellows

Naomi B. - “Public Parks & A Lasting Impact: Nurturing Service-Oriented Youth in New York”

Vanessa B. - “Demystifying Offshore Wind and Understanding Public Perception”

Milla D. - “Instilling Sustainable Practices in K-5 Students: Sustainable Art Classes in Conjunction with NYC Institutions and Businesses”

Paige L. - “Reimagining Recycling!”

Lucy M. - “The Discovery Squad: Creating Accessible Environmental Education for Autistic Children”
Jay O. - “Driven to Change: A Case-Based Approach to Sustainable Transit in NYC”

Launched in 2006, the ISR program invites students to dive deeply into scientific topics that spark their curiosity. Beginning in Grade 10 or 11, participants work alongside Science Department faculty to design personalized curricula and conduct original research. The program’s growth has been significant—this year, 52 ISR Fellows and 22 Eco Fellows participated. Throughout their time in the program, students collaborate in a cohort model, regularly sharing updates on their research project. Many students partner with institutions like Mount Sinai, Weill Cornell Medicine, The VisNA Lab at CUNY, Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory, and The Columbia Electrochemical Energy Center, in order to deepen their studies.

 

The Eco Fellows program empowers students to become environmental leaders with the skills and information to design innovative solutions to current environmental challenges. In this interdisciplinary program, students develop knowledge of key environmental science concepts, research skills, and systems-based thinking. In the first year of the program, students investigate global environmental governance, with an emphasis on the three pillars of sustainability. In the following years of the program, students will build on essential research skills such as data collection and analysis, utilizing mapping programs such as ArcGIS and OpenStreetMap. Students explore the impact of past and present environmental injustices, locally and globally. All students will develop interdisciplinary thesis projects that align with their unique interests. Past projects have included launching nonprofit and for-profit organizations, art installations, podcasts, and scholarly papers.