North Country Students Earn Top Honors in Healthcare Research
Students from Ogdensburg Free Academy recently showcased their knowledge of the neuroscience of drug treatment and addiction at the Terra Northeast STEM Fair, held at Paul Smith’s College on April 5. The event, which brought together young scientists from across the region, encouraged students to explore their passions outside the classroom and featured projects spanning a wide range of scientific disciplines.
The participating students, Grace Jeneault and Jordyn Dobbs, became involved in the project via Clarkson’s Building Rural Aspirations in Neuroscience with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (BRAINSTEM) Program - an afterschool and summer program that immerses students in hands-on activities related to drug addiction and treatment, healthcare professions, and related STEM topics. BRAIN-STEM is supported by a $1.32M Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The students’ project titled “Negative and Positive Effects Vaping Nicotine has on High School Students,” developed a research project that could be done to expand their knowledge in this area. The project was awarded “Best of Topic”, the highest award given to students presenting a literature review or model which indicated judges saw the project as the most sophisticated and thorough review of a STEM issue or field at that year’s competition.
“It was a great experience, I’m very thankful for Clarkson’s BRAIN-STEM team who helped us with our project,” said Dobbs.
BRAIN-STEM is a grant-funded program administered through Clarkson’s Institute for STEM Education with the aim to increase student interest in health care professions.
This STEM Fair was attended by students in grades five through 12 from Clinton, Essex, Franklin and St. Lawrence counties. Students had the opportunity to engage with the judges, answer questions, and receive feedback that will help them refine their ideas and continue to explore the wonders of neuroscience.
The event also served as an excellent platform for students to network with peers and mentors, exchange ideas, and expand their public speaking skills.
“It was a super fun and amazing day. Special thank you to Bob (Robert) Dowman and Bailey Peck for helping us navigate the program,” said Jeneault, who also participated in the STEM Fair.
“It has been so rewarding to watch these students come up with their own ideas and see them through to a research proposal based on neuroscience. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and passion our students have shown throughout the preparation for this science fair,” said Katie Kavanagh, Director of Clarkson’s Institute for STEM Education and one of the founders of the BRAIN-STEM Program. “It’s not just about competing; it’s about fostering a love for learning and discovery. We are excited to see what these students will achieve in the future.”
The BRAIN-STEM team would like to congratulate all of its students who participated in the Terra Northeast STEM Fair, and extend thanks to the teachers, parents, and community members who supported their efforts.
