During the 59^th National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), students from across the country came together virtually to wow audiences with their STEM finesse. For the second year, thousands of students from all over the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Department of Defense Schools of Europe and the Pacific Rim, competed virtually, sharing their research projects from one of eight STEM disciplines in regional and national competitions. This year, JSHS opened the virtual event up to the public. People from around the world tuned in to watch our national finalists present their research!

The virtual event was jam-packed with guest speakers – including tech expert and TV personality Katie Linendoll, chatroom-based networking opportunities and a mini film festival. The highlights of the show, as always, were our participants’ posters and oral presentations.

For the first time, we asked our students to harness their creativity and think outside the box by capturing their JSHS journey in a three-minute minifilm. These films were aired during the Mini Film Festival at National JSHS and the winners were announced during the award ceremony. Ramzi Saber, from Jose Marti STEM Academy in Union City, New Jersey, won the Tri-Service Choice Award and Best Overall for his film “The Concept of Research.” In three short minutes, Saber explains the importance of curiosity and scientific research while tying in his personal story, including migrating to the U.S. from Morocco, and his love for astronomy. Thank you for sharing your story, Ramzi!

Each year, our participants amaze us with their topical and timely research covering a host of issues facing our country and the global community. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic inspired several of our students’ research projects. For example, Brealin Maya’s poster, inspired by the challenges brought about by virtual learning in COVID-19, presented improvements to virtual instruction for special needs students. Eyrin Kim chose to investigate the disparities of eviction during the pandemic using spatial statistical analysis. Ronald Cheng proposed tackling the COVID-19 data crisis in New York state with alternative data sources.

Congratulations to our winners and national finalists and a big thank you to all our team members and volunteers who made the event possible! We can’t wait to see what next year’s competition will bring. See you next year!

For a limited time, registered attendees can view the recorded National JSHS content on vFairs. You can stream the National Awards Ceremony here. Find the full list of National JSHS 2021 winners, here. The 2021 National JSHS Abstract book will be available shortly.

AEOP’s Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a tri-service program founded by the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force to encourage high school students to conduct original research in STEM fields. JSHS is administered by the National Science Teachers Association.