Skip to main content

Blog Archives

Older posts

Combating Extreme Heat Environments through Technology Architecture Infrastructure and Urbanization

Winner of the Junior Academy Challenge – Spring 2025
“Living in the Extremes”

Sponsored by The New York Academy of Sciences

Published August 5, 2025

By Nicole Pope
Academy Education Contributor

Team members: Katelyn G. (Team Lead) (California, United States), Rishab S. (India), Adham M. (Egypt), Youssef I. (Egypt), Shravika S. (Virginia, United States)
Mentor: Anavi Jain (Tennessee, United States)

As record-breaking temperatures due to the climate crisis become more common around the world, especially in vulnerable regions like the Middle East, South Asia, and the southwestern United States, more than 1.2 billion people are at risk of heat stress. Areas that were already hot — such as Death Valley in California — are now experiencing conditions that regularly exceed historical records, with temperatures soaring above 134°F (56.7°C). The five international members of the winning team set themselves a clear objective: finding an innovative approach to improve the housing and living environment for communities living in scorching heat.

To devise their creative project – a housing and living concept they called Technology Architecture Infrastructure Urbanization (TAIU) – the high-school students, from the United States, Egypt, and India, held multiple online discussions, exchanging ideas across borders and time zones. In the course of their research, they learned that modern infrastructure and architecture have not kept pace with climate change. In fact, urban settings often amplify the impact of high temperatures – with asphalt and buildings made of concrete, steel, and glass retaining heat rather than deflecting it.

The team explored various building techniques and cooling methods. Historically, communities living in hot climates used passive designs, such as thick, breathable walls, shaded courtyards, and reflective surfaces to keep living spaces cool. “While my teammates leaned towards modern solutions, I advocated for a blend of traditional methods with contemporary technologies,” explains teammate Shravika S. Discussions were at times intense but always collegial while the students were developing their concept. They reached decisions democratically, under the supervision of the team’s mentor.

A Vision Emerges

From their brainstorming, a vision emerged: a sustainable project that creates a safer and more comfortable environment for people living in hot climates, without resorting to costly and energy-intensive technologies that put further strain on the planet. “By fusing ancient wisdom with future-ready innovation, TAIU offers not just shelter from the heat but a blueprint for thriving in it. With each structure we build, we’re not only cooling homes — we’re restoring hope, equity, and the possibility of a livable future for the world’s hottest regions,” the students explained in their presentation.

Inspired by Nubian architecture, their project rests on four pillars:

  • 1. Smart technology – an adaptive roof that tilts and rotates to optimize ventilation, glass that tints in response to sunlight, and phase change materials that regulate indoor temperature;
  • 2. Indoor design that blends Nubian pottery materials with passive cooling techniques to improve air flow and create breathable spaces;
  • 3. The TAIU App – a smart home system that controls the roof and provides real-time climate and energy updates; and
  • 4. Outdoor features, such as shaded areas, hydration stations, and solar-powered resilience centers that provide services and spaces where the community can gather.

“I gained valuable insight into the needs and challenges faced by the community we studied — Death Valley — where living in extreme heat demands both modern and traditional solutions,” explains teammate Adham M. “One of my biggest takeaways is realizing that blending smart technologies like smart windows and smart roofs with time-tested methods like clay construction can offer sustainable, effective ways to adapt to harsh environments.”

Conducting a Survey

To test their approach, the team consulted architects, engineers and environmental experts. A survey conducted among 248 people living in hot regions yielded useful suggestions that the team applied to finetune their design, such as expanding the use of clay insulation and rerouting cooling pipes within wall cavities. Early results from laboratory and field tests of traditional pottery composites confirmed that special clay blends can reduce indoor peak temperatures by up to 5oF.

While working on their project, the students gained new insights into the devastating effects of climate change. “I realized that air conditioning is affecting not only my life but also those who are yet to come,” says team member Rishab S. “I adopted several measures to reduce the use of air-conditioners. I started wearing lighter clothes, consuming drinks that cool down our bodies, and using windows for proper ventilation.”

Team member Youssef I. feels he has acquired new knowledge and skills, including a deeper understanding of modelling since he was responsible for producing the 3D housing model. But he also emphasizes many other benefits, such as communicating with people from different communities and cultural backgrounds and forming new friendships. For team leader Katelyn G., this Junior Academy Challenge was more than an academic experience. “It was a glimpse into the kind of changemaker I strive to become,” she explains. “From the very beginning, we weren’t just building a climate resilience solution; we were building trust across time zones, merging perspectives, and learning to lead with both head and heart.”

Learn more about the Junior Academy.

Eco-twisters

Winner of the Junior Academy Challenge – Spring 2025
“Air Quality & Health”

Sponsored by Stevens Initiative

Published August 5, 2025

By Nicole Pope
Academy Education Contributor

Team members: Kelsey M. (Team Lead) (California, United States), Hana H. (Egypt), Zoha H. (North Carolina, United States), Islam H. (Saudi Arabia), Sanaya M. (New Jersey, United States), Kavish S. (North Carolina, United States)
Mentor: Brisa Torres (Germany)

Indoor air pollution, caused largely by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide (CO2), presents major risks for human health. Globally 2.6 billion people are exposed to household air pollution, mostly from cooking with kerosene, solid fuels like wood, charcoal, coal or dung, and inefficient stoves. As a result, they face the risk of respiratory or heart diseases, cancer, and damage to organs like the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system.

When they joined the spring 2025 Air Quality and Health Junior Academy Challenge, this team of six high school students from the United States, Egypt and Saudi Arabia chose to address this often-neglected threat. “I learned so much about indoor air pollution and how it often gets overlooked, especially in communities that use kerosene or other fuel-based cooking methods,” says team member Islam H. “The more we researched, the more I realized how widespread this issue is, and how it’s especially harmful in areas with limited access to clean energy solutions.”

Before developing their winning Eco-Twister Air Filter device, the team members conducted research and brainstormed extensively online to define their approach and whether to prioritize cost, portability, or advanced technology. Their project draws on their varied skillsets and perspectives: one team member had experience in public health research, others excelled in experimental design or robotics, or brought an interest in coding or data analysis.

“We all had different ways we wanted to make the air filter at first: some suggesting we use high technology and equipment, others saying we should stick with everyday home materials,” explains teammate Zoha H. “Later on, we debated on how to redesign our filter and decided to cater towards low-income communities more and made it smaller as well as cheaper.”

Reducing VOCs and CO2

To reduce the levels of harmful indoor gases like VOCs and CO2 that stem mostly from cooking emissions, the winning team opted to design an affordable, do-it-yourself (DIY) air filter. Commercially available filters, costing between $200-$400, are out of reach for families with limited income. “Equity and inclusivity were central to our project,” says team leader Kelsey M. “We designed the filter to be affordable, our second prototype cost about $41.10, and DIY, targeting low-income communities disproportionately affected by air pollution.”

The Eco-Twister combines the capabilities of a MERV 13 filter to capture dust, pollen and tiny particles, and activated charcoal to absorb VOCs and CO2 and reduce both odors and harmful gases. They added sphagnum moss as a third, natural, component to boost the effectiveness of their innovative filter. Moss traps larger particles, heavy metals, and enhances sustainability by metabolizing VOCs. 

After producing an initial prototype, the team went on to improve their design, making a second version of the device 95% smaller as well as lighter and cheaper. “We realized what would be the most achievable and which items would be easiest to source, as our project is affordable and easy for anyone to make by themselves,” says team member Sanaya M. “When redesigning our solution, we prioritized accessibility and eco-friendliness and ended up reducing the size.”

Greater Portability and Promising Findings

This meant using one filter instead of four, which resulted in much greater portability. The team conducted tests to measure the reduction in harmful emissions their revised Eco-Twister Air Filter achieved. They were delighted when results showed that the Eco-Twister reduced peak VOC concentration by 40.8% and also accelerated VOC removal and air recovery, competing favorably with more expensive devices.

The team also conducted a survey in their communities, which revealed that 95% of the 40 respondents would be interested in using the 14-inch x 16-inch x 2-inch Eco-Twister device, which weighs 5.5lbs. Over three quarters of those surveyed found the team’s ingenious air filter affordable and more than 80% stated they would use it daily.

For the participating students, the project has been a valuable learning experience. Discussions within the group exposed them to different points of view and taught them to reach an optimal outcome by weighing multiple requirements. “My teammates who pushed for portability for low-income families got me thinking about who’d actually use it,” explains teammate Kavish S. “Also, the eco-friendly folks opened my eyes to using sustainable stuff like moss, which I hadn’t thought about before.”

The team has plans for future iterations of the Eco-Twister filter, which would use bamboo-based charcoal and biodegradable materials for enhanced sustainability. “I used to figure that air pollution was someone else’s issue, but seeing that 100% of our survey folks thought our filter could help, opened my eyes,” reflects team member Hana H. “People in poorer areas are getting sick from bad air with no good options.”

Learn more about the Junior Academy.

The Junior Academy Symposium Sparks Creative Solutions to Modern Problems

Though separated by geography and Zoom screens, the desire to connect and create was on full display during the annual Virtual Student Symposia on Thursday, June 27th, 2025.

Published July 28, 2025

By Jennifer Atkinson
Program Administrator

The New York Academy of Sciences honored the hard work and innovation from members of The Junior Academy, totaling 3,372 students across the 2024-2025 Academic Year. The symposia focused on the winning teams’ proposed solutions for this year’s Innovation Challenges.

Comprised of students from across the world ages 13-17, The Junior Academy provides the opportunity to collaborate with their peers and think deeply about challenges that affect everyday life — regardless of where one lives. Teams select an Academy-trained global JA scientist mentor to guide their work as students worked across time zones to collect data, conduct surveys, and dive into research. Students follow the initiative to frame global solutions that also consider participants’ personal experience and perspectives. This program not only fosters diversity through connecting young people from different countries and cultural backgrounds but also allows students to really think outside the box when it comes to tackling these challenges that impact their communities.

“We ask the questions, but students create the answers,” said Kaitlin Green, Senior Program Manager for Education. “There are no limits on how creative students can be. They are not afraid to present their biggest ideas.”

Student projects were judged on their overall presentation abilities, scientific quality, innovation and design thinking, sustainability, potential, and collaboration. The research that the teams conducted was completely original. Out of hundreds of projects submitted, one team per innovation challenge was declared a winner.

The Winning Ideas:

The winning teams worked with a communication coach to craft their challenge solution presentations, honing another significant aspect of the scientific process: communicating their science and their final presentations effectively. The end results were a five-minute final presentation that included their original research, creative visuals, and collected data to illustrate their ideas.

Fall 2024 Innovation Challenges:

Team: The Last Strand

For the Upcycling and Waste Management challenge, students were asked to design a comprehensive solution to waste management at a scale that makes a measurable impact. The four-person team of The Last Strand, comprised of students from India, Sweden, and the United States, developed a process for breaking down extraneous hair and chicken feathers from salons and farms to develop amino acid supplements. They intend to use these for athletes, body builders, or people suffering from health issues such as liver or kidney disease. This solution not only proposes a way to reduce the landfill waste from hair and feathers but also uses sustainability practices to preserve human health.

Team: Reducing BIAS in AI models: fAIrify

The Innovation Challenge Ethical AI, tasked students to develop a technical solution to address one specific issue that AI poses. The fAIrify team, comprised of six students from the United States and Kuwait, proposed creating a customizable add-on that can be embedded into an online spreadsheet application. The intent of this add-on is to use it as an analytical tool to root out bias in training data for predictive AI models. It contains four aspects to analyze data: statistical analysis, reporting, flexible options for quantitative and qualitative data, and hierarchical data dissection. The team’s solution brings to the table a key implementation in any sector where AI is used in making decisions, for example, the hiring process, to avoid bias or discrimination. 

Team: Upgrading the Hydraulic System

The Remediation in South Brooklyn challenge brought the focus locally, challenging students to design solutions that remediate the building of offshore wind renewable energy infrastructure in New York City, focusing on land and water preparation. The six-student team, comprised of students from the New York City metropolitan area, came up with an idea for upgrading the hydraulic system infrastructure in the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal for efficient storm water management. Their design, a dual-hydraulic separator system, consisted of two separator units and a sensor-controlled gate that detects water flow and operates in accordance with high water pressure. This solution would help prevent problems such as sewer overflows, flooding, and debris in the current water system.

Spring 2025 Innovation Challenges:

Team: Living in Extreme Heat (TAIU)

The Innovation Challenge, Living in the Extremes asked students to propose a comprehensive solution to sustain life in one “extreme environment.” The winning team for this challenge, comprised of five students from the United States, India, and Egypt, presented a solution for a “climate-ready community housing model” for extreme heat environments called TAIU (Technology, Architecture, Infrastructure, Urbanization). Individual TAIU houses are built with materials or mechanisms that actively resist heat and encourage cooling, notably the design of seven-layer walls and naturally ventilated interiors. Their solution also includes a center to provide goods and services to the community, as well as an app to control settings in individual homes.

Team: Eco-twisters

In the Air-Quality and Health Innovation Challenge, students were asked to design a technical solution to address a key source of pollution. Team Eco-twisters, comprised of 6 students from the United States, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, presented the idea of using a carbon-based air filter to combat the effects of VOCS (Volatile Organic Compounds) – gases that are commonly emitted from human-made products and cause harm to human health. Their solution primarily seeks to aid women, children, and kitchen workers, who are exposed at a higher rate to VOCs.

Each winning team presentation was followed by a Q&A session, which allowed both fellow students and program facilitators to ask teams to elaborate on their projects. Winning teams received an educational prize package.  

Distinguished guest speakers joined in celebrating student achievements by sharing insightful and encouraging remarks at the symposia, including:

  • Christina Symons, Ph.D.
    Strategic Partnerships and Communications, Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ IF/THEN® Initiative
  • Carol O’Donnell, Ed. D.
    Douglas M. Lapp and Anne B. Keiser Director, Smithsonian Science Education Center
  • Elizabeth McMullen
    Public Relations Program Manager, Organic Valley
  • Maggie Johnson, Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor of Marine Science at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Heading into Fall 2025:

The Junior Academy community is already excited for the Fall 2025 suite of Innovation Challenges that will begin in September. The Education Department and the Virtual Programs team are committed to another year of encouraging students to be diverse and creative problem-solvers.

“The Junior Academy is such an innovative place where students can come together from across the globe and engage with their peers. When you approach a problem or an obstacle with people who are different from you, you realize you have more commonalities than differences,” Green continued. “The issues you are facing locally might be similar to those who are halfway across the world.”

Though the 2024-2025 year has come to an end, the new academic year will bring more opportunities for students to dive in firsthand and learn how working together leads to incredible outcomes.

Learn more about Learning opportunities at the Academy.

Putting the Spotlight on NYC Innovation

The New York Academy of Sciences’ Scientist-in-Residence Student Showcase is an opportunity to explore scientific innovations taking place in New York City.

Published June 25, 2025

By Jennifer Atkinson
Program Administrator

Photo by Nick Fetty/The New York Academy of Sciences.

Students of all ages buzzed about posters and 3D dioramas of every shape, size, and color. In the air was a sense of nostalgia, one that harkened back to school science fairs from our youth. Students dressed in costumes for their presentations, some looking like the stereotyped “mad scientist” in white lab coats and goggles. Others took a different approach, dressing to resemble their projects, with one student wearing a sleep mask with “Nap Queen” embroidered on it.

The Scientists-in-Residence program, created in cooperation with the New York City Department of Education, offers public school students in elementary through high school the chance to bring their scientific imaginations to life by matching them with a scientist from The New York Academy of Sciences’ (the Academy’s) distinguished roster of graduate students and STEM professionals. The scientist works with a partner teacher to devise a project for their school group to work on throughout the year, culminating in a showcase each May to present their findings.

This year’s showcase, which was held on May 29th and 30th, brought nearly four hundred students from 41 schools across NYC together to celebrate their scientific discoveries. Special guest speakers, all of whom shared powerful messages of encouragement and inspiration, included:

  • Seema Kumar, CEO of Cure and member of the Board of Governors at The New York Academy of Sciences
  • Rita Joseph, New York City Council Member
  • Roy Nachum, Co-Founder of Mercer Labs
  • Cindy Lawrence, Executive Director of MoMath
  • Magdia DeJesus, Director of Scientific Strategy and Business Operations, Pfizer
  • Will Lenihan, Curator, Brooklyn Botanic Garden
  • Susanna Ling, Senior Vice President Sponsorships, Partnerships and Industry Programs, Cure

Scientific Innovation Has No Bounds

Photo by Nick Fetty/The New York Academy of Sciences.

During the poster sessions, older and younger students engaged with each other by listening to their peers’ presentations, providing an opportunity for students to learn from one another, not just a teacher or a scientist. Each student was provided with a scavenger hunt sheet to take specific notes about other groups’ projects, many of which ranged in complexity and subject.

Some projects tackled intricate topics such as bacterial growth in fermented foods, growing crystals from DNA, planarian secrets on regeneration, the study of sleep, and the Urban Heat Island Effect. This also gave students a chance to better understand their own home, New York City—as several school groups studied subjects that directly impacted their lives as New Yorkers, such as how air pollution affects the pH of drinking water.

The engagement between schools and students of different age groups provided an ideal opportunity for students to learn something new about a subject they had already studied. On numerous occasions, different school groups chose the same project but approached their experiment using distinct methods. They were encouraged to think outside the box—showing that science and creativity go hand-in-hand, but also that one scientific question can have endless answers.

Learning Valuable Lessons

Mentor scientists and teachers also had their own roles to play. Scientists were tasked with teaching their students the rigorous steps of the scientific method, creating hypotheses and sourcing data through surveys, physical collection, or other means. Teachers worked alongside scientists to guide their classes throughout the year. At the showcase, they were given forms to provide feedback to their students about their presentation and public-speaking skills.

In tandem with their mentor scientists and teachers, students learned valuable lessons about how scientific field work is performed and later communicated to the public, thereby developing a well-rounded toolbox of skills to bring with them into their own future careers as scientists.

The students themselves were even able to teach both their peers and adults valuable life lessons. One student from Urban Charter High School for Advanced Math and Science described their project on social media and its effects on mental health: “We learned that while it’s so addictive…silencing notifications and using screen time apps helps to moderate social media use. It is crucial to learn how to manage pleasure without the addiction.”

Inclusion in STEM

Photo by Nick Fetty/The New York Academy of Sciences.

A big takeaway from this program is that younger generations are passionate about solving everyday problems and making the world a better place for all—and it shows in their hard work.

“One of the things I like most about the program is that students get a chance to know a real scientist—someone who is actively working or studying in a STEM field and isn’t just a name in a textbook or a figure on TV,” said Adrienne Umali, associate director of education for the Academy.

“As they get to know their scientist over the course of a school year, the students start to humanize what it means to be a scientist and in turn begin to build their own STEM identity. A key goal of our program is to foster the idea of belonging in the scientific world—there is no set criteria and you don’t have to look a certain way. Students start to see themselves as scientists, too,” Umali said.

The Scientist-in-Residence program provides the opportunity for scientific exploration and growth for teachers, scientists, and students alike. It serves as an inclusive space for anyone interested in STEM and shows that we are never too old or young to learn something new about our world.

Learn more about the Scientist-in-Residence Program. Applications for scientists and teachers interested in participating are open each Spring. 

More photos from the 2025 Scientist-in-Residence Student Showcase:

Celebrating Scientific Brilliance and Resilience

Highlights from the 2025 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in Israel.

Published June 13, 2025

By Kamala Murthy
Senior Manager, Communications

Against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea and the luminous Peres Center for Peace and Innovation in Tel Aviv, Israel, over one hundred preeminent scientific researchers, dignitaries, academics, business leaders, and supporters gathered on June 4, 2025, for an unforgettable evening honoring the future of science in Israel. The 2025 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in Israel recognized three of the country’s most promising early-career researchers in the fields of Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Physical Sciences & Engineering.

Now in its eighth year, the Blavatnik Awards in Israel ceremony was both a celebration of scientific discovery and a tribute to resilience. As the sun set over Jaffa and guests moved from the reception to the dinner ceremony, Israeli TV anchor Hila Korach, serving as the evening’s presenter, opened the event with a moving acknowledgment of the October 7th attacks and the remaining captivity of 58 Israeli hostages. The resilient spirit of the evening underscored a powerful message: even in the face of geopolitical hardship in the region, science continues to forge ahead as a force for good.

Welcoming the Laureates and Their Institutions with Fanfare

As trumpeters heralded the opening of the ceremony, flag bearers representing ten of Israel’s premier academic institutions led a procession onto the main stage, followed by this year’s three Laureates. These three outstanding scientists were selected from among 36 top nominees from universities and research institutions across Israel. The following scientists were recognized as Laureates at the ceremony, where they received medals and presented a captivating overview of their groundbreaking research:

  • Professor Yonatan Stelzer (Weizmann Institute of Science) – Life Sciences
  • Dr. Benjamin Palmer (Ben-Gurion University of the Negev) – Chemical Sciences
  • Professor Chaim Garfinkel (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) – Physical Sciences & Engineering

“Laureates, we know you will triumph! We believe in you!”

The flag procession was followed by a dramatic vocal performance of the song “Believer” sung by a youth ensemble from the Artik Music School. The musical performance was designed to inspire guests to be believers in science, with resilience being the key to success.

Science, Hope, and Prosperity

The Blavatnik Award’s two administrative partners underscored the program’s mission to empower young scientists at a pivotal point in their careers when recognition and support can significantly impact their lives as scientists. In his heartfelt remarks, Professor David Harel, President of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, emphasized the urgent need to protect the freedom and integrity of academic inquiry in science, particularly in politically and culturally challenging times. Nicholas Dirks, President & CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences, spoke to the 18-year success story of the Blavatnik Awards, leading it to become one of the most prestigious international science prizes for early-career scientists. Dirks also emphasized how the Blavatnik Awards have helped drive economic prosperity, turning $20 million in collective prize money into $2.4 billion in market capitalization, with over 50 companies founded by past Blavatnik Scholars, including six companies that are publicly traded.

A recorded message from Israel’s President Isaac Herzog served as a reminder that the Blavatnik Awards in Israel are in addition to being a tribute to three brilliant scientists from Israeli institutions are also a declaration of unwavering faith in science as a beacon of light in turbulent times. Herzog quoted Israel’s first President, Chaim Weizmann: “I trust and feel sure in my heart that science will bring to this land both peace and a renewal of its youth.” A moving performance by Israeli musical icon Aviv Geffen further added to the evening’s theme of hope and determination, echoing the national longing for unity, peace, and progress.

Israel’s Scientific Excellence on Display

Life Sciences Laureate, Yonatan Stelzer, PhD, from the Weizmann Institute of Science transported the audience into the remarkable world of embryonic development. His lab’s pioneering models of mammalian cell differentiation offer profound insight into how identical cells diversify into complex organisms—knowledge that holds transformative potential for regenerative medicine.

Physical Sciences & Engineering Laureate, Chaim Garfinkel, PhD, from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, followed with a dynamic exploration of climate modeling. He illuminated the atmospheric mechanisms that influence extreme weather events and detailed how improving prediction models can save lives and guide global climate policy.

Finally, Chemical Sciences Laureate, Benjamin Palmer, PhD, from Ben-Gurion University in the Negev, captivated attendees with a dazzling look into organic biomineralization. Studying how creatures like shrimp and plankton create reflective crystals, his lab is revealing new paths to develop sustainable optical materials that may one day replace conventional, toxic alternatives like titanium dioxide.

A Toast to Science and the Future

The evening concluded with a celebratory toast as the Laureates joined Professors Harel and Dirks on stage. Guests lifted their glasses with a collective “L’chaim!” — to science, to knowledge, and to a better future for the region.

The day prior, the 2025 Laureates presented their research at a public symposium held at the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Jerusalem. 2019 Blavatnik Awards in Israel Laureate Professor Michal Rivlin from the Weizmann Institute delivered the opening symposium lecture. Among the attendees were members of the public and STEM high school students from several regional high schools near Jerusalem.

The 2025 Blavatnik Awards ceremony venue overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
From left: 2025 Blavatnik Awards Israel Laureates: Benjamin Palmer, Yonatan Stelzer, Chaim Garfinkel.
From left: Peter Thoren of the Blavatnik Family Foundation; British Economist and Author Noreena Hertz with spouse Danny Cohen of Access Industries; Avi Fischer of Clal Industries.
From left: Lisa Shields of Access Industries with Sonya Dougal from The New York Academy of Sciences.
President of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, Professor David Harel.
Yonatan Stelzer, Life Sciences Laureate, speaking about his research in embryonic development and epigenetics.
Life Sciences Laureate, Benjamin Palmer describes the process of organic biomineralization.
Chaim Garfinkel, Physical Sciences & Engineering Laureate gives his talk on climate modeling.
L’Chaim, a toast to science!
After the Blavatnik Awards Symposium at the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities.

From Tools to Meta Humans: Talking to AI

In the final installment of this year’s distinguished lecture series hosted by The New York Academy of Sciences’ Anthropology Section, an expert panel discussed the intersection of anthropology, technology, and ethics.

Published May 2, 2025 

By Brooke Elliott
Education Communications Intern

Webb Keane, PhD, presents during the From Tools to Metahumans: Talking to AI event at The New York Academy of Sciences on April 7, 2025.

Keynote speaker Webb Keane, PhD, the George Herbert Mead Distinguished Professor of Anthropology at the University of Michigan and a leading voice in semiotics, media, and ethics, centered his April 7th talk around his new book Animals, Robots, Gods: Adventures in the Moral Imagination. The book moves beyond human communities and explores the relational ethics that arise from human interaction with non-humans and near-humans, including artificial intelligence.

Prof. Keane opened his presentation by posing the provocative question: What defines a human?

Traditionally, it has been humankind’s capacity for language, tool-making abilities, and moral reasoning. But with the rise of generative AI and large language models, all three are under pressure, according to Prof. Keane.

AI as a Metahuman

Generative AI now challenges humankind’s unique position as language users, introducing tools that seem to “escape the grasp” of their creators. These AI systems don’t merely reproduce human intelligence, they imitate its outputs.

Prof. Keane defines a “metahuman” as “someone or something with superior powers, but lacking a body or particular social location.” These are beings that humans have always interacted with, such as gods, spirits, and, now, robots and androids. These entities possess knowledge, power, and moral authority beyond the human.

Religious communities have taken to AI in surprisingly enthusiastic ways, Prof. Keane pointed out. Tools like Gita GPT, designed to simulate answers from Krishna, a major deity in Hinduism, are used for moral and spiritual guidance. AI’s “oracular affordances,” as Prof. Keane called them, allow it to function like ancient divinatory tools; they can elicit meaning, trust, and belief.

 “AI reflects our fears because it is built from our language, our stories, our digital footprints,” said Prof. Keane.

The meanings we get from interactions with AI are the product of collaboration between the person and the device, just as divination, spiritual possession, and speaking in tongues once captivated our imaginations.

Omri Elisha’s Response

Responding to Prof. Keane, Omri Elisha, PhD, associate professor of anthropology at Queens College and the City University of New York Graduate Center, drew parallels with his own work on astrology. Prof. Elisha emphasized that technologies like AI and astrology translate abstract forces into moral guidance. Through symbolic systems, users interact with planetary or digital forces as if they have agency.

Prof. Elisha posed the critical question: “How is it that certain technologies and certain symbiotic mediations come to be authorized to speak for transcendental sources infinitely far from the here and now?”

He also addressed society’s growing reliance on crowdsourced truth. Platforms like Google and Reddit are worshipped for their convenience, immediacy, and trust, even by those who claim to be skeptical. Generations raised on the internet have come to accept the “wisdom of large numbers,” as Prof. Keane calls it

To further support this point, Prof. Elisha cited the viral meme, “A world where AI paints and writes poems while humans perform menial, backbreaking work wasn’t the future I imagined.”

In an age of corporate personhood and surveillance capitalism, many allow branded algorithms to make decisions once left to human discretion, including immigration status, medical diagnoses, and even music recommendations. As Prof. Keane notes, “We should be scrupulous about the would-be gods who lurk behind our devices.”

Danilyn Rutherford’s Call for a Global Perspective

Danilyn Rutherford, PhD, President of the Winter Grant Foundation and activist with A Thousand Currents, praised Prof. Keane’s commitment to ethical nuance. Still, she challenged the limits of cultural relativism. While different societies may live by different moral codes, Dr. Rutherford argued that there’s a deeper universality in our capacity for meaning-making, even across radically different contexts.

“The point, [Keane] argues, is not simply that different ponds nurture different frogs, they nurture different relationships among critters swimming in the same puddle,” said Dr. Rutherford.

Fear, Faith, and the Future of Human Meaning

All three speakers converged on a core insight: that our interactions with AI tell us more about ourselves than they do about the technology. Humans are beings who construct meaning collaboratively, introducing non-humans with agency, because of our innate ability to see intentions in others.

As Prof. Keane emphasized, the real question is not whether AI is sentient, but why we respond to it as if it were. He questioned what does that reveal about our values, our anxieties, and our longing for guidance as we continue toward an era with even greater interaction between humans and AI.

As the 2024–25 lecture series concludes, the Anthropology Section is already looking to the future. A graduate student gathering at the Margaret Mead Film Festival, which takes place May 2-4 at the American Museum of Natural History, will provide a final chance to connect this spring. This fall, the Anthropology Section will return with a new theme and speaker lineup, as well as a continued commitment to bridging anthropological insight and public dialogue.

Learn more about offerings from The New York Academy of Sciences’ Anthropology Section.

Exploring 100 Years of Artificial Intelligence

The past, present, and future of artificial intelligence (AI) were discussed as part of the latest installment in the Tata Knowledge Series on AI & Society.

Published April 18, 2025

By Nick Fetty
Digital Content Manager

Nick Dirks (left), President and CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences, and Alok Aggarwal, PhD, CEO and Chief Data Scientist of Scry AI. Photo by Nick Fetty/The New York Academy of Sciences.

The future implications for the growth of AI and its impact on our society was the topic of a fireside chat between renowned computer scientist, Alok Aggarwal, PhD, and Nick Dirks, President and CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences (the Academy). 

Dr. Aggarwal is CEO and Chief Data Scientist at Scry AI, which he founded in 2014. The company “focuses on research and advanced development (R&D) in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and related disciplines.” In an attempt to demystify AI for the public, he published the book, The Fourth Industrial Revolution & 100 Years of AI (1950-2050), which focuses on demystifying AI for lay audiences.

In discussing the motivation for his book, Dr. Aggarwal explained how AI is part of “the Fourth Industrial Revolution” which started in 2011 and is projected to run through 2050.

Photo by Nick Fetty/The New York Academy of Sciences.

He points out that the recently published book “doesn’t have a single piece of software code and almost no math.” Instead, he focuses on what AI is, and what it will be, the “good, bad, and ugly.” Separately, he is also working on a follow-up book for students studying business analytics and other similar programs.

AI and the Business World

Dirks then shifted the conversation to focus on the business applications of AI. Dr. Aggarwal said he sees AI being most useful in pattern-recognition tasks.

“That pattern-recognition aspect is much faster because electrons are moving at the speed of light, unlike humans, where the ions are moving slowly,” he says. “Definitely in the long run, that pattern recognition aspect alone will make AI be extremely beneficial for humans in pretty much all areas.”

Dr. Aggarwal continued by saying “it’s not a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’ AI is more fully embraced by society. He compared it to public acceptance of the internet, and its associated hype, in the late 1990s.

“I think, in many ways, hype is very good…because it leads to monetary support and makes the passionate inventors even more passionate,” Dr. Aggarwal says, adding that “it will take time.”

The Challenge of Driverless Cars for AI

Photo by Nick Fetty/The New York Academy of Sciences.

Dirks pointed out that Google recently reduced investments into its driverless car program. He also referenced Yann LeCun, Turing Award winner and Chief AI Scientist at Meta, who mentioned that driverless car technology has much room for improvement during another Academy fireside chat sponsored by Tata in March 2024.

Dr. Aggarwal shared that driverless car technology goes back to the late 1970s in Japan. The technology was further developed in Germany, and then at American institutions including Carnegie Mellon University and the University of California, Berkeley. Despite this effort, Dr. Aggarwal admits successfully integrating AI and driving has been a challenge. However, he pointed out several areas in which AI shows great potential.

For example, he said AI can be applied to laborious, mundane activities, where humans are prone to making mistakes like sifting through invoices to reconcile financial records or submitting the proper documentation for a mortgage loan. Furthermore, AI has been just as effective in preventative healthcare, such as detecting skin cancer, which Dr. Aggarwal has said has proven to be as accurate as a radiologist.

“A lot of the problem right now is [demonstrating] these benefits rather than just inflating the hype,” says Dr. Aggarwal. “We need to actually show that it works in disparate cases.”

Curating Accurate Training Sets

Photo by Nick Fetty/The New York Academy of Sciences.

Dirks pointed out that some AI systems are informed by various sources on the internet, which have varying levels of accuracy. He asked what can be done to curate accurate training sets to develop these technologies.

Dr. Aggarwal said the issue here isn’t so much the AI, as it’s the “human mirror” effect considering many of the inputs from the training sets are merely reflecting reality, which can sometimes be outdated, inaccurate, or biased. He used the example of countries with data sets that do not treat women and men as equals, so inputs from these countries can train the AI to have misinformed biases between genders and their associated roles.

“It’s no different from how we train our children,” said Dr. Aggarwal.

He then referred to “the imitation game” developed by computer pioneer Alan Turing. In this exercise, a human judge blindly assesses whether the answer to the judge’s question was provided by another human or by a computer. The judge needs to determine whether it was the human or the computer. The idea was that eventually the computer technology would be smart enough that the judge wouldn’t be able to differentiate.

Dr. Aggarwal stressed the need for humans to be diligent and balanced in training these AI systems. Because of the strong processing power of these AI systems, they can quickly amplify biases, misinformation, and other negative inputs through which it was informed.

Closing Thoughts

Photo by Nick Fetty/The New York Academy of Sciences.

Dirks and Dr. Aggarwal also discussed additional topics including the history of neural networks, the origin of the term “artificial intelligence,” the hype around advancements in computing in the mid-20th century, the definition of artificial general intelligence (AGI), companionship, job displacement, drug development, and more. After taking questions and comments from those in attendance, Dr. Aggarwal closed his talk by soliciting feedback from those who read his book and welcomed readers to contact him with their commentary.

This article provides a preview of the talk. Video of the full talk is available on-demand for Academy members. Sign up today if you aren’t already part of our impactful network.

This series is sponsored by Tata, a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising 30 companies across ten verticals. Read about other Academy events supported by Tata:

Become a More Inclusive and Effective Science Communicator

Advice and insights from sci-comm professionals on how to deliver your message so that everyone has the opportunity to engage with and benefit from scientific knowledge.

Published March 7, 2025

By Lydia Jennings, PhD, Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies, Dartmouth College
Elizabeth Bojsza, MFA, Assistant Professor of Practice, Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science
Amy Sharma, PhD, Executive Director, Science for Georgia
Zamara Choudhary, MA, Program Manager, The New York Academy of Sciences

In fall of 2024, The New York Academy of Sciences (the Academy) partnered with 2030 STEM to produce a five-part series, titled Inclusion in STEM. The series supported the Academy’s commitment to broaden a sense of belonging in science by empowering everyone involved to contribute ideas that develop innovative solutions to society’s challenges.

One of the sessions focused on inclusive science communication, recognizing that a culture of inclusion in STEM necessitates scientific information be accessible to all communities and individuals. The Academy convened a panel of experts, each with their own unique background, who prioritize inclusive science communication in their practice.

Meet the Speakers

Lydia Jennings, PhD, Assistant Professor in Environmental Studies, Dartmouth College

Lydia Jennings, PhD

In my professional training as an Indigenous soil scientist, I saw that far too often researchers come to study Indigenous communities and our ecosystems, but rarely report the results back in ways that are accessible, relevant, and culturally cognizant. I was trained to be very specific in my professional science jargon, but if I cannot share this information with the very people it pertains to, or my own family members, then how useful is it and how does it help them?

In my own path to becoming a science communicator, I began practicing by talking with friends and family about soils and my research, everyone from my nieces and nephews to my elders. I also incorporated my love of trail-running with how I share my scholarship about soils. Since there are many talented Indigenous runners, and it is how many of us know our homelands, every run became an opportunity to talk about the soil around us.

This helped me refine how I talk about soil in an accessible and concise way, get people out on the land together to run, and bring my own cultural values to my science communication. Every run became a chance to practice how I was explaining my science in accessible ways, and when I began to talk to the broader public about my work, people found my explanations both coherent and culturally grounded. In this way, my science communication became very authentic to who I am as a person.

Elizabeth (E-Beth) Bojsza, MFA, Assistant Professor of Practice, Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science

Elizabeth (E-Beth) Bojsza, MFA

I have a background in theatre, and I have been an educator for many years. I am passionate about curriculum design, program evaluation, and educational equity and access.

In my theatre work, I am often the person providing feedback, asking questions, and putting myself in the audience’s point of view to better understand and inform how meaning is conveyed through choices we make. What I do in my science communication work is not all that different: science is communicated whether or not we are intentional about our message design, and whether or not we tailor our communication to our audience.

This also opens potential for bias to creep in. I think for science communication to be inclusive it needs to be intentional, and it needs to be collaborative in some way. You must have a clear goal and strategy for how you are presenting your information that considers your audience, the message you want to convey, and the possible outcomes of you delivering that message.

Amy Sharma, PhD, Executive Director, Science for Georgia

Amy Sharma, PhD

I was the science nerd in high school. I was also really interested in science outreach, from science tutoring to STEM activities for kids. I love science. I love engineering. I want everyone else to love it as well!

Science and facts have become increasingly politicized in the past 25 years. Facts distorted into weapons and belief systems. I grew up in the Washington, DC area–so policy is in my blood.

I currently run an organization that works to ensure science is activated outside of the lab and shared with others. It enables me to employ my love of science, my wanting to share it with the world, my frustration with world events, my love of policy, and my inability to walk away from issues that affect the people around us. Just like the hypothetical tree that falls in the forest, I believe research is not heard unless it is acted upon.

In academia, we reward communicating science in the most obtuse, inaccessible, jargon-filled way. While this earns people tenure, it does nothing for society or to welcome people into the tent. I’ve learned that to be a science communicator, I must be willing to be a lay-person first and scientist second. Respect is a two-way street. People will listen to me when I listen to them and empathize with their situation. Not because “I am a PhD and I said so.”

Key Takeaways to Strengthen your Science Communication

Dr. Jennings sharing her research with fellow scientists at the American Geophysical Union Annual Conference.

Empower communities, activate your research, and support your career by strengthening your science communication. Systemic change is necessary for making STEM more inclusive, but there are ways we can contribute to this process as individual science communicators.

It’s about the Five “W’s”: Who, What, When, Where and Why

To effectively determine HOW to communicate your message, you first need to know WHO is your audience? What is the age range you are speaking with? WHAT are the cultural contexts that might be familiar to your audience? What are issues of concern in the community that science helps champion? Use these questions to help explain the WHY of your message to your specific audience while enhancing engagement.

Effective communication of all types is best told through the “story of one.” Throwing large numbers around does not resonate with individuals who typically look for the “what’s in it for me” value proposition. If you are discussing advances in vaccine development, cite specific case studies WHERE it helped save lives, or conversely about the spread of a virus because of miscommunication about vaccines.

In the age of scientific distrust and misinformation, communicating information in an inclusive way is an opportunity to address misconceptions, fears, and false information directly, while building trust and encouraging action.

Listen and Ask Questions First

E-Beth facilitating the Alda Healthcare Experience healthcare team communication workshop.

Communication is something we do with our audiences. Before we sprint ahead to showcase our expertise, we should intentionally shape our communication to hear from our audiences first. Be curious about their motivation to be your audience. What are their concerns, hopes, and/or issues that can help them to see value in your science communication? What do they care about and why would your message matter to them? What are their lived experiences in relation to what you are communicating that connects to your content? Remember, your audience has their own lived expertise that can expand your understanding of the content. It’s about the story of “one”!

An important part of science communication is co-learning with your audience. What we discover in remaining curious can help us adapt our messages to empathetically meet them where they are–what terminology they know, what prior knowledge they have, what they value, and how our science is relevant to their lives.

Less is More

When talking to people about a subject that might be new to them, our tendency is to overcompensate and pile on the facts, figures, and explanations. “How could someone possibly understand the energy grid without first understanding particle physics?”

Our audience is then almost guaranteed to become disengaged and overwhelmed. Instead think about: What is my goal here? If a person remembers only one thing from our conversation and then tells it to their neighbor, what do I want it to be? Ground your communication in that one thing. And then think about a way to get it to relate to your audience. Use that strategy to keep your science communication straightforward and oriented on your goal. Remember, the five “W’s” and the story of “one”! 

Tell Your Story and Share Your Knowledge with Everyone

Dr. Sharma speaking at the annual Environmental Justice and Climate Protection Conference.

We are all lifelong learners with knowledge to offer and to gain. As science professionals, we may be experts in our fields, but there is always so much to learn from those around us, regardless of their background or career stage. By connecting science with storytelling and shared experiences, we open avenues of communication that break down hierarchies and expose us to dynamic new ideas and perspectives. Our science and research are made better when we acknowledge all perspectives.

When sharing this knowledge, it is important to acknowledge and give credit to our sources, even if they may be nontraditional. As science professionals, we have an obligation and duty to be stewards of knowledge. We engage in this work because we believe in the ability of science to create a better world, and we are passionate about learning and getting others excited about science. A great science communicator not only contributes to their field, but also a more broader, well-informed citizenry that serves society as a whole.

Resources for Further Learning

The Tata Transformation Prize Celebrates the 2024 Winners in Mumbai

The New York Academy of Sciences continues its partnership with India’s Tata Group for the second annual Tata Transformation Prize.

Published January 8, 2025

By Kamala Murthy
Senior Manager, Communications

On Friday, December 13, 2024 the Tata Group and The New York Academy of Sciences honored the 2024 Tata Transformation Prize Winners at an impressive award ceremony and dinner at the historic Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai.

Launched in 2023, the Tata Transformation Prize identifies and supports visionary scientists in India who are developing breakthrough technologies that address India’s most significant societal challenges in Food Security, Sustainability, and Healthcare. The ceremonial event was celebrated at this famous venue for the first time.

The 2024 Tata Transformation Prize Winners, selected from 169 entries from 18 Indian states by an international jury of leading experts, included:

  • FOOD SECURITY: C. Anandharamakrishnan, PhD, CSIR – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology has pioneered a variety of rice fortified with multiple essential nutrients that simultaneously has a low glycemic index (GI) to address micronutrient malnutrition and blood sugar management for diabetics. Watch his film HERE.
  • SUSTAINABILITY: Amartya Mukhopadhyay, DPhil, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay is working to advance Sodium (Na)-ion battery technologies. His battery prototype is approximately 30% cheaper than Lithium (Li)-ion batteries and operates in a broader temperature range. His design is safer to store by creating air- and water-stable sodium-transition metal oxide cathodes and alloy-based anodes. Prof. Mukhopadhyay’s approach replaces toxic solvents with water to reduce production costs and environmental impact. Watch his film HERE.
  • HEALTHCARE: Raghavan Varadarajan​, PhD, Indian Institute of Science is working to develop a cost-effective RSV vaccine that will allow for greater access to wide-spread deployment of vaccination programs. His scientific advances will surmount the challenges that have hindered RSV vaccine development for decades and will provide broad, longer-lasting protection against RSV infection. Watch his film HERE.

A Night of Distinguished International Guests

Harish Bhat, former brand custodian for Tata Sons and book author, served as the ceremony presenter. The evening’s Chief Guest, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and Guest Speaker, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the former Chief Scientist for the World Health Organization (WHO), both gave keynote addresses.

Other distinguished guests included Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts; Prof. Désirée van Gorp, Professor of International Business and Chair of the International Advisory Board at Nyenrode Business University in the Netherlands; and AI Pioneer and Turing Award Winner, Dr. Raj Reddy of Carnegie Mellon University. Several members of the Tata Transformation Prize’s international jury attended, including Prof. José Miguel Aguilera Radic from Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Dr. Jianying Hu from IBM, Dr. Carolyn Duran from Apple, Dr. Sandra Barteit from the University of Heidelberg in Germany, Ankur Bhatnagar from Biocon, Prabhakaran Doiraraj from the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (India), and Deepanwita Chattopadhyay, founder of India’s first Life Sciences research park.

The Tata Transformation Prize, a Catalyst for Innovative Solutions

In his opening remarks, N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Board of Tata Sons, said, “In a technology-first future, India needs a transformation of vision to solve the big problems at its scale. We need our scientists driving deep, fundamental research and innovators pushing beyond the margins of new technology. That is the aim of the Tata Transformation Prize: to both recognize and support breakthrough innovations, developed in research labs across India, that are ready for wide-scale deployment to address India’s challenges.”

Nicholas B. Dirks, President and CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences, followed the Chairman’s remarks: “We are excited to continue this unique collaboration with Tata Sons, which serves as a catalyst for innovative solutions to India’s most urgent challenges. The Prize addresses India’s critical societal needs by honoring India’s most outstanding scientists who genuinely want to make a difference while supporting India’s advancement as a world leader.” Dirks also recognized the jury, which included eminent scientists, clinicians, technologists, and engineers from world-renowned organizations and academic institutions across five continents, and the role of the Prize’s Scientific Advisory Council, who serve as ambassadors for the program.

Intending to drive impactful innovation and scale-up implementation of high-reward research, each Winner received INR 2 crores (approximately US$240,000) in prize money and was honored with a Tata Transformation Prize medal at the ceremony.

Roopa Purushothaman, Chief Economist for Tata, delivered closing remarks for the ceremony.

The day prior, the Tata Group and the Academy hosted a symposium featuring the previous year’s Winners at a symposium at Bombay House, the head office of the Tata Group. The 2023 Winners showcased their scientific progress and new collaborations since winning the prize last year.

Photo Gallery

(Left to Right) Nicholas Dirks, President and CEO of the Academy, Healthcare Winner, Dr. Raghavan Varadarajan, Prof. Amartya Mukhopadhyay, Dr. C Anandharamakrishnan, and N. Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons.
The Chairman of Tata Sons, N. Chandrasekaran, gives the opening address at the Tata Transformation Prize Ceremony.
Academy President and CEO, Nicholas Dirks, speaks about the Academy’s partnership with Tata on the Tata Transformation Prize.
Dr. Raghavan Varadarajan is presented with the Tata Transformation Prize medal by the Chairman and Dr. Souyma Swaminathan.
Food Security Winner, Dr. C. Anandharamakrishnan is presented with a medal by Prof. Ajay Sood and Tata’s Chairman, N. Chandrasekaran.
Sustainability Winner, Prof. Amartya Mukhopadhyay presents his research on sodium-ion battery technology.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Former Chief Scientist of the WHO spoke about global threats to health.
Prof. Ajay Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, speaks about science for societal impact.
(Left to right) Ralf Speth, Former CEO of Tata Motors with Dr. Carolyn Duran from Apple (Tata Transformation Prize jury member), and N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons.
The administrative team of the Tata Transformation Prize.
(Left to Right) Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, Emeritus Professor & Former Director of the National Center for Biological Sciences leads a panel discussion with the 2023 Winners at the first symposium held at Bombay House: Prof. Anurag S. Rathore, IIT Delhi; Prof. Shilpi Sharma, IIT Delhi; Prof. Purnananda Guptasarma, IISER Mohali.
Academy Staff (Left to Right) Sanaz Masserat, Dr. Sonya Dougal, Kamala Murthy, and Academy President and CEO, Nicholas Dirks.

Big Time Research from the Junior Academy

A woman in her office presenting as part of a virtual event.

Rising young stars in science are celebrated for their innovative ideas in artificial intelligence and sustainability applications.  

Published July 11, 2024

By Kaitlin Green
Senior Program Manager, Education

The New York Academy of Sciences’ Junior Academy celebrated the hard work and dedication of students from the 2023-24 academic year on June 27th, 2024, during the annual Virtual Student Symposia.

More than 80 students, mentors, coaches, sponsors and partners, in 29 countries, were invited to celebrate a successful year of innovation. Meghan Groome, PhD, Senior Vice President of Education at the Academy, opened the proceedings with an inspiring address.

Meghan Groome, PhD, Senior Vice President of Education at The New York Academy of Sciences, presents during the live streamed Virtual Student Symposia on June 27, 2024.
Photo by Nick Fetty/The New York Academy of Sciences.

“The Junior Academy was formed to provide a pathway for students and scientist mentors to begin a journey together – to do research together. As you give your first scientific talks today at The Academy, know that we’re so proud of your game changing research.” she said, reflecting on its history.

The strong bond between working scientists and students provides insights into the real-world scientific workplace to ensure a future pipeline of qualified STEM professionals.

“Science is about working together – working across differences, and we know that diversity drives innovation,” Dr. Groome concluded.

The Junior Academy proudly embodies that scientific diversity and creativity, which is evidenced by the creative solutions proposed by this year’s winners. The projects were judged on their overall presentation quality, scientific quality, innovation and design thinking, sustainability, potential, and collaboration.

The Winning Ideas

In order to hone their presentation skills, winning teams work with a communication coach to shape their presentations into five-minute informational speeches. As a result, the students delivered succinct team research project summaries.

Team: AI4Access: Redefining Accessible Classrooms

In the Cognitive Classrooms Challenge students were asked to consider potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and efficient classroom environment. The six person AI4Access team from Qatar, India and the United States developed a tool that not only enriched the students’ education towards achieving an individualized learning experience, but also improved the workload and efficiency of the educator in maintaining a harmonious and well-managed environment where everyone can thrive. Mentor: Aryan C.

Team: Destination: Green

In the Green Homes, Green Schools, Green Communities Challenge, students were given the opportunity to think critically about environmental challenges that impact their lives and what they could do to improve those challenges. As a result, the six person Green team from Poland, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Tunisia designed a solution to enhance access and education to sustainable farming practices. Their solution can be applied both to large-scale and at-home farming practices, making it an excellent solution to improve environmental problems at all levels of a community. Mentor: Adeola A.

Team: MINnovators

Students were tasked with designing an innovative approach to secure the supply of critical minerals in the transition to a fossil-free society in the Minerals of Technology Challenge. The six person MINnovators team from India and the United States researched the feasibility of using asteroid mining to reduce carbon emissions. Their solution has the potential to support a more environmentally sustainable ecosystem when compared to conventional mining practices. Mentor: Ilayda G.

Team: VisionXcelerate

In the spring Wearables Challenge, students were required to design or employ a wearable technology, or network of wearables, that can be utilized to address either public health issues surrounding non-communicable diseases or natural or manmade disaster response. The six person VisionXcelerate team from the United States and India focused on helping individuals with dementia by developing a pair of smart glasses integrated with AI and AR technologies to assist with daily tasks such as medication reminders and person recognition, along with fall detection systems and GPS tracking to assist caretakers.

The VisionXcelerate team during their presentation.

Team: EcoFashion

Students in the Circular Textiles challenge were tasked with choosing one aspect of the “take-make-waste” textile supply chain, and to design an innovative adaptation to fit the circular textile model. The six person EcoFashion team from India, Colombia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the United States developed an innovative approach to the Circular Textile model by developing a synthetic cellulose fiber using agricultural waste, sustainable color dye methods, and an app to educate users on sustainable fashion practices. Mentor: Xanthhi C.

Each team presentation was followed up by an audience Q&A.

The Immeasurable Impact of Mentors

What sets the Junior Academy apart from similar STEM education programs are the international professionals, graduate students, PhD candidates, and postdocs who understand the importance of mentorship and offer their time and expertise to the program. This year’s event included two distinguished mentors: Tomaz Maria Suller and Katherine Wert, PhD.

Tomaz joined the Junior Academy as a secondary student in 2018, participating in many challenges on the online platform Launchpad. He earned his bachelor’s in computer engineering at Poli-USP in Brazil and is currently pursuing a master’s in computer science and engineering at Politecnico di Milano in Italy. He became a Junior Academy mentor in the winter of 2023, advising five teams in four challenges. One of his teams, ZynoFiber, was recognized as a finalist in the Spring 2024 Circular Textiles challenge.

“Why are we here today?” Tomaz asked, reflecting on his time as both a Junior Academy student and now as a mentor. “We want to create a community of engineers, scientists, and innovators who will shape our future – and shape our present.”

Dr. Katherine Wert discovered the impactful mentoring opportunities at the Academy in 2012 during her time as a PhD student at Columbia University. She joined the Junior Academy in 2016 as one of the first cohorts of mentors onto Launchpad and has since mentored over 25 teams. 

“I love that this program works hard to include anyone who has a true motivation toward STEM and does not simply focus on their global location or what resources they’ve had available to them,” Dr. Wert said.

Dr. Wert ended her address by advising both students and mentors to take advantage of the Junior Academy community, emphasizing the importance of communication and networking.

“You never know when someone’s crazy idea will mesh with others. The most successful teams I’ve worked with let everyone’s voices be heard – even the most out-of-the-box ideas. You are part of a very special and unique community of passionate STEM professionals and peers,” she said.

Looking Forward

As the 2023-24 academic year ends, Dr. Groome and the Education Team expressed their pride in this incredible community of innovators. They recognize that support for these programs is made possible because of the Academy’s generous partners and sponsors. These supporters’ belief in our mission of “science for the public good” ensures the Junior Academy opportunity is free for all students.

“To our mentors, your support, volunteerism, and deep understanding of the importance of STEM role models in our global community is unmatched. Thank you,” said Dr. Groome. “The Junior Academy students never cease to amaze us with their creativity, innovation, and willingness to connect with peers from around the world. Together, we create a truly special and welcoming environment. Cheers to a fantastic year.”

Older posts