The Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS) ignites a passion for research among high school students nationwide.

Read this blog for tips and inspiration.

Understanding The Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS) The JSHS is a national-level science fair held annually in the United States.

Sponsored by the Department of Defense, it encourages high school students to conduct original research in STEM fields.

Regional and national symposia are held during the second half of the academic year, reaching thousands of students and teachers across the United States, Puerto Rico, and DoD-affiliated schools in Europe and the Pacific.

Who Can Participate?

High school students enrolled in grades 9-1

2. Must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States or U.

S. territory.

Eligibility is determined by your school/organization’s address, which places you in a specific region.

Learn from previous winners at Junior Science & Humanities Symposium Aspiring to win the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)?

Let’s delve into the wisdom of past champions who have left their mark on this prestigious platform.

1. Find your Fascination: Take inspiration from Rishab Jain (Westview High School in Oregon).

His innovative work on an AI-powered sarcopenia analysis system ("SarcoSeg") led him to secure the 1st place in the Medicine & Health/Behavioral Sciences category.

Instead of choosing a random topic, Rishab focused on an area that truly interested him.

This genuine passion drove him to conduct thorough research and create a compelling presentation.

PlaySTEM Programs Competitions (ISEF, JSHS, RSI)

2. Dive Deep, Not Wide: Past winners like Olivia Pollock (New York, Pelham Memorial High School) (1st Place, Environmental Science) and Marianne Liu (Intermountain, West High School) (1st Place, Chemistry) serve as inspiring examples of excellence in scientific inquiry.

Their groundbreaking projects on bioplastics and solid polymer electrolytes respectively not only earned them prestigious accolades but also highlighted the potential of focused research.

By delving deeply into a specific problem, these exceptional students were able to attain an understanding of their chosen subjects, leading to well-supported theses and meaningful contributions to their respective fields.

Focusing on one topic allows researchers to dig deep, uncovering detailed insights that might be missed with a broader approach.

This focused effort helps students understand their subject better.

Past winners show that narrowing down the research scope leads to more exploration, resulting in significant advancements and a bigger impact in the scientific community.

3. Embrace Innovation: The JSHS competition thrives on fresh ideas, where embracing innovation is key to success.

Look to winners like Nidhi Mathihalli (California Northern & Western Nevada, Saratoga High School) (1st Place, Engineering & Technology) who developed a device using AI to help visually impaired people read money, and Ryan Park (Jersey Shore, Millburn High School) (1st Place, Mathematics & Computer Science) who created a system for variant forecasting and drug design.

The creativity and ingenuity showcased by these individuals not only distinguishes their projects, but also demonstrates the potential to make a significant impact in the world.

Embracing innovation is crucial in the JSHS competition, as it allows participants to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in science and technology.

By incorporating innovative approaches and cutting-edge technology, participants can truly set their projects apart and contribute to meaningful advancements in their respective fields.

This mindset not only fosters creativity and progress among participants but also paves the way for groundbreaking developments that have the potential to positively influence society at large. “It’s exciting to see these high school students working at such a sophisticated level, connecting what they learned in their STEM classes to uncover new discoveries.

We congratulate the national finalists and winners on their impressive achievement, and applaud the teachers and mentors that supported them along the way. ” said Erika Shugart, Ph.

D. , executive director, NSTA.

4. Refine Your Communication Skills: The winners of the competition demonstrated exceptional communication skills, effectively presenting their groundbreaking research in a clear and engaging manner.

Ashini Modi from Louisiana's Caddo Parish Magnet High School and Sohi Patel from Texas' Academy of Science and Technology showcased their ability to transform complex scientific topics into informative and captivating presentations.

Their adept communication not only enhanced their research but also made a lasting impression on the judges.

Having strong communication skills is paramount in effectively conveying the significance of research and scientific discoveries.

Clear and engaging communication allows researchers to capture the attention of their audience, ensuring that their findings resonate and leave a lasting impact.

Student researchers should share their knowledge in a way that ignites curiosity and understanding in a broader audience.

This, in turn, cultivates a deeper appreciation for scientific exploration and its impact on our world.

There are fantastic free resources available online to help guide your journey and similar opportunities. “Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity. ” said Nat Turner.

5. Leverage Mentorship: Okezue Bell, represented Moravian Academy in Philadelphia, clinched 1st Place in Biomedical Sciences at the JSHS with the invaluable guidance of her mentor.

Together, they developed a groundbreaking myoprosthesis for amputees, showcasing exceptional dedication and innovation.

With her mentor's support, Okezue excelled in refining her research and honing her presentation skills, impressing judges and peers alike at the competition.

Mentorship proves to be a vital asset for aspiring scientists, offering tailored guidance, expertise, and encouragement.

A mentor, whether a teacher, professor, or seasoned researcher, can provide valuable insights to enhance research capabilities and refine presentation skills.

The nurturing environment cultivated by a supportive mentor empowers young individuals to navigate the scientific realm with confidence and purpose, ensuring their potential for success is maximized.

How to Win at Junior Science & Humanities Symposium: 10 Tips To maximize your chances of winning the JSHS, consider the following strategies: Choose a Unique and Relevant Research Topic: Select an area that excites you and has real-world implications.

Conduct Thorough Research: Dive deep into your topic, seek mentor feedback, and explore novel approaches.

Develop a Clear and Concise Abstract: Summarize your research succinctly, highlighting its significance.

Prepare a Detailed and Well-Structured Research Paper: Showcase your methodology, results, and conclusions effectively.

Master Your Presentation Skills: Practice delivering your research with confidence and clarity.

Use Visual Aids Effectively: Enhance your presentation with compelling visuals.

Prepare for Questions: Be ready to address queries from judges and peers.

Network with Peers and Professionals: Engage with fellow participants and experts in your field.

Seek Feedback and Refine Your Work: Continuously improve your research based on feedback.

Make sure to start early: Remember to begin early, as it always gives you an advantage in delving more deeply into researching your topic.

Remember, the road to JSHS victory is paved with passion, focus, and effective communication.

By incorporating these strategies and learning from the success stories of past winners, you too can take center stage at the next JSHS!

Resources for you to start working towards Junior Science & Humanities Symposium!

For those inspired by these winners and eager to follow their footsteps, Rishab offers science fair and research coaching.

It will provide you an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of STEM and win at Science Fairs.

Rishab shares his winning strategies.

Whether you’re just starting or already doing great in student research, always appreciate your efforts.

Keep moving towards your goals, and good luck on your science journey!.