Spence News
2026 Independent Science Research and Eco Fellows Present Research Projects at Annual Symposium
The Spence community gathered for the annual Independent Science Research (ISR) and Eco Fellows Symposium, where graduating students shared their research through presentations, and juniors displayed their ongoing work. The program is an annual showcase of scholarship and inquiry-based learning at Spence.
Head of Upper School Rachael Flores introduced the symposium, noting the significance of the extensive research and writing students had done on their chosen subjects. “When I look at these projects, it's not just about science, which is in itself impressive. It’s about what science means to the world. Curing a disease is not just curing a disease for the sake of science — it's about changing lives, it's about changing families and communities. These are projects that, if carried forward, if the world really took them on, they would change the world.”
At the symposium, ISR fellows presented on a range of interests, including heart valve mapping technology to improve surgical treatment, suppressing ovarian cancer cell growth, and examining the role of dopamine in obsessive compulsive behavior. Launched in 2006, the ISR program asks students interested in scientific research to identify, explore, and design their own curriculum focused on a topic of interest–they have the option of starting ISR in Grade 10 or Grade 11.
Topics of senior Eco Fellows’ projects included how to transform public opinion on nuclear energy, whether the Billion Oyster Project’s volunteer-based restoration of New York Harbor can serve as a model for community action and citizen science, and processes for converting vacant lots and underused public land in New York City into public community gardens and green space. The Eco Fellows program at Spence trains environmental leaders who will forge new solutions - solutions that are ambitious, audacious, aesthetic, and attainable. In this multi-year interdisciplinary program, students develop knowledge of environmental science, political ecology, ecological movements, sustainable agriculture and environmental justice.
Congratulations to the graduating fellows on their culminating research.
Graduating 2026 ISR Fellows and their research titles:Colette B. - Target Cullin-RING E3 Ubiquitin Ligase (CRL1) to Upregulate p21 for Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Sahana C. - Acoustic Holograms to Increase Accuracy of Focused Ultrasound (FUS) Targeting for Neuromodulation
Dinah E-R. - Analyzing the Metabolic Impact of Impaired Mitochondrial Motility in Caenorhabditis elegans through a Miro1 Knockdown
Alexandra L. - Comparing the Efficacy of L-DOPA in Two Mutant Strains of Drosophila melanogaster Modeling Familial Parkinson’s Disease
Cindy M. - Synthesis of Multifunctional Nanoparticles for Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy
Kathryn S. - Validation of Three Novel Molecular Targets in Colorectal Cancer through Quantitative PCR
Nichelle W. - Impact of DUSP4 Knockout on Mouse Heart Cell Migration Dynamics
Graduating 2026 Eco Fellows and their research titles:
Cindy W. - NIMBYism and the Social Aspect of Affordable Housing
Sophia J.F. - Evaluating Different Mathematical Models of Glacial Ablation
Isabella K. - Development of Education and Awareness to Synergize New York City’s Composting Initiatives
Beauty H. - Examining Citizens Participation in Oyster Data Collection and Restoration
Amie S. - Destigmatizing Nuclear Power as an Energy Source in the United States
Maria S. - A Proposal for Creating a More Efficient and Equitable Process for Converting Vacant Lots and Underused Public Land into Community Gardens
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© 2025 Spence School
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© 2025 Spence School
