This year's PISEC (Partnerships for Informal Science Education in the Community) High School Poster Symposium, hosted by JILA, contributed to bridging the gap between high school education and advanced university research. Supported by JILA's Physics Frontier Center (PFC), a center funded by the NSF, the PISEC program brought together high school students from various districts across Colorado, fostering an environment of learning and exploration within the JILA facilities.
The symposium, held annually, is a cornerstone event that allows young aspiring scientists to step into the world of professional research. Students embarked on an educational journey, beginning with engaging activities in the JILA auditorium and extensive lab tours. These experiences gave them a firsthand look at the cutting-edge research and daily operations within a leading research institution.
The highlight of the visit was the poster symposium, where students had the opportunity to present their innovative projects to the JILA community. This year, the range of topics was impressively diverse, including projects like 3D-printed mobile microscopes, innovative stingray feeders, sensory plaques designed for the Butterfly Pavilion, and even experiments with magnets to levitate toy trains. The creative and practical applications demonstrated by these projects illustrated the students' hard work and their ability to apply scientific concepts to real-world problems.
The event was well-received, drawing attention from graduate students and JILA Fellows who visited the student posters displayed across the X-Wing's 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors. The interaction between the students and seasoned researchers enriched the learning experience, providing the young participants valuable feedback and encouragement. This successful symposium underscores JILA’s commitment to educational outreach and highlights the importance of community partnerships in fostering the next generation of scientists.
Learn more about PISEC by listening to JILA's podcast "Humans of JILA."
Written by Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, JILA Science Communicator