Young Minds, Big Discoveries: High School Talents at the Laufer Center

We are delighted to share a recap of our recent event, the Laufer Center Symposium on High School Student Protein Research, which took place on Thursday, May 30th. It was an inspiring day filled with remarkable presentations, insightful discussions, and a strong sense of community organized by Associate Director of the Laufer Center, Carlos Simmerling. We had the pleasure of hosting about 40 high school students from various school districts across NYC and Long Island, who showcased their impressive research on protein studies.

The day began with students and attendees arriving at the Laufer Center. The atmosphere was vibrant as students set up their posters and prepared for their presentations. Carlos Simmerling officially opened the symposium with a warm welcome, setting the tone for a day of scientific exploration and collaboration.

A major highlight of the event was the keynote address by renowned scientist, the Laufer Center’s very own Dr. Ken Dill. His engaging talk, tailored for the students, captivated the audience and sparked curiosity among the young researchers. Following this, Mark Cortez (Executive Director of Admissions at Stony Brook University) delivered an enlightening talk, further enriching the students' understanding and appreciation of protein research.

The student flash talks were a testament to the talent and dedication of these young scientists. Each student delivered a concise overview of their project goals, showcasing the breadth and depth of their research. The poster session that followed was a bustling hub of scientific discussion. Students presented their posters, engaged with attendees, and received constructive feedback. This session provided a fantastic opportunity for networking and knowledge exchange.

A lunch break offered a relaxed environment for informal conversations, allowing attendees and students alike to connect and share their experiences. As the event drew to a close, it was clear from the feedback and interactions that the symposium was a resounding success.

We are immensely proud of all the students who participated. Their enthusiasm, hard work, and dedication were evident in every presentation and discussion. The success of this symposium would not have been possible without the support and encouragement from all attendees - a special thanks to Dr. Simmerling for organizing and funding this fantastic event! Looking ahead, we are excited to continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of scientists together!

Thank you once again for your support and participation.