Spence News

ISR Provides Unique Science Research Opportunity

As the year comes to a close, we look backwards—and forwards. I turned my own bifocal lens on a major part of my tenth grade: the tremendous honor of being among the Independent Science Research (ISR) program students this year. I chose the word “among” carefully—it was being in the company of this group that made the experience special for me. Students are selected in the spring of freshman year for an opportunity, exclusive to Spence, to investigate a branch of research from tenth grade to graduation, mentored by a specialist in that particular field. The program is fueled by the support and guidance of Dr. O’Mahony, and Mr. Godsen before him, both members of Spence’s own Science Department. Perhaps the greatest gift and challenge of the program is the trust that is placed in us to pursue knowledge without a lesson plan. And I have seen each student strive for scientific understanding relentlessly, with fire.
 
The ISR program is the definitive example of “Not for school but for life we learn.” It nurtures skills that are applicable to any academic path or career you might follow. For example, the daunting tasks in sophomore year lie in searching for a topic you are truly passionate about, and then searching for a mentor in that field. It takes bold perseverance, and a considerable amount of time drafting emails, to convince that professional that you are capable and wholeheartedly committed. After a mentor is secured, the hard work of actual research and delving deep into your chosen topic begins. I am sure that my fellow classmates will agree that while it is demanding, it is exhilarating. The doors to new learning environments are thrown open; we dip our toes into the ocean when we have only lived in a pond.
 
Throughout the year, ISR students meet as a group about twice a week to discuss articles or new findings within our own fields. During these meetings and discussions, my eyes are always opened to different perspectives. The program does have “independent” in its title, but it is as much interdependent as it is independent. We are enlightened on invasive species, on visual perception, on cures for diseases, on child development…and so much more. We learn that research is as much sharing discoveries as finding them in the first place.

In June, we showcased our work at the Eighth Annual ISR Symposium for the Spence community, including parents, faculty and students. I was proud to stand alongside my classmates, peers and fellow explorers. All of whom I respect more deeply.
 
The ISR program is a breakthrough in advancing our spirit in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields, in laying claim to our brainpower and energy. The seniors now can show the world that spirit, and we wish them the best of luck. We also welcome the incoming sophomores and pass the torch along. As I look towards the future, I recall what I wrote in my application to ISR about one year ago: “I hope it will be a cornerstone to constructing and pinpointing what I will and am able to do later in life, but also be an incredible chance to better fathom the world around us.”
 
* I am currently investigating RNA, a molecule that is biologically similar to DNA, with Dr. Nancy Greenbaum at Hunter College, CUNY.

Please visit the photo gallery to view all the ISR projects from this year’s Symposium.
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A K-12 independent school in New York city, The Spence School prepares a diverse community of girls and young women for the demands of academic excellence and responsible citizenship.

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