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You Belong in STEM: Careers Creating Change

July 30, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET

Pier 57, Discovery Tank, 25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) play a critical role in addressing today’s biggest challenges, yet many voices and perspectives remain underrepresented within these fields. You Belong in STEM: Careers Creating Change is an invitation to reimagine who STEM is for and how diverse perspectives are essential to meaningful progress.

Join Hudson River Park Trust and The New York Academy of Sciences for a powerful panel discussion spotlighting STEM professionals whose careers are creating positive change in their communities and beyond. Panelists will share their personal journeys, the impact of their work, and how identity, lived experience, and purpose have shaped their careers.

This event will explore:

  • What it means to feel like you belong in STEM, and how to build confidence in spaces that may feel intimidating
  • How to build a career in STEM that aligns with your values
  • How STEM careers can drive social, environmental, and community impact
  • Non-traditional and interdisciplinary roles that expand how we define STEM-related work
  • Why your voice, background, and perspective matter in shaping the future of STEM

If you are interested in imagining how your interest in STEM could be transformative for you and those around you, this event offers inspiration, insight, and encouragement for your next steps. This program is especially suited for high school students, undergraduates, and recent graduates, but is open to anyone interested in STEM, equity, and career pathways that make a difference.

Networking Session for In-Person Attendees

Immediately following the panel, in-person attendees are invited to stay for a casual networking session featuring light snacks. Connect with panelists, meet peers with shared interests, and continue the conversation in a friendly and open atmosphere.

Speakers

Headshot of Kwolanne Felix
Kwolanne Felix

Kwolanne Felix is a NYC-based writer, historian, and gender and climate scholar. Kwolanne is pursuing a PhD in environmental history at New York University and works as the Fellowship Manager at Black Girl Environmentalist where she runs an exciting program empowering women and gender-expansive folks in the climate sector. She writes articles, essays, and opinion pieces about climate change, politics, gender, and American and environmental history, and she has been featured in Truthout and Ms. Magazine.

Headshot of Naziat Hassan
Naziat Hassan

Naziat Hassan is a licensed mental health and substance abuse counselor in New York. She has over 11 years of experience treating children, adolescents, and adults with various mental health related conditions. She is an avid advocate for quality mental health services. She has a platform, Pearls of Wellbeing, which aims to dismantle stigma around mental health in underrepresented communities. In the past 3 years she has received a number of accolades for her contribution to uplifting her community.

Moderator

Headshot of Jenevieve Joseph
Jenevieve Joseph

Jenevieve is Hudson River Park’s FAO Schwarz Fellow dedicated to transforming academics through environmental pedagogy. She serves alongside full time staff members leading field trips and public programs and has a specific focus on evaluation and social statistics. This past summer, Jenevieve graduated with a Bachelor’s in Sociology & Anthropology from Spelman College and moved to New York to continue pursuing social impact work. After matriculating through her fellowship, Jenevieve plans to continue advocating for environmental justice throughout her career as an educator.

Pricing

All: Free

Marine Life Sustaining Wind Farms

An underwater shot.

As cities like New York expand offshore wind energy to meet renewable power goals, concerns remain about the impact windfarm infrastructure can have on marine ecosystems. In the Fall 2025 Junior Academy Challenge, one team proposed transforming wind turbines into reef-like living ecosystems that support marine animals and help them thrive rather than causing harm.

Published May 8, 2026

By Nicole Pope

An underwater shot.
Winner of the Junior Academy Challenge – Fall 2025
“Marine Biodiversity”

Sponsored by The New York Academy of Sciences and Empire Wind 1

Team members: Dakila G. (Team Lead) (New York, United States), Aizah Z. (New York, United States), Lucy L. (New York, United States), Biying L. (New York, United States), Mikaela V. (New York, United States), Anna L. (New York, United States)
Mentor: Krenare Bruqi (France)

Renewable energy enables societies around the world to meet growing demand for electricity without further exacerbating the effects of climate change. The teams of high-school students who participated in the Fall 2025 Junior Academy Challenge discovered, however, that while the benefits of renewable energy are undeniable, building the infrastructure for renewable energy sources such as windfarms and operating them can still impact the environment and local marine life.

“I learned that the overall establishment of a supposed environmentally friendly structure can have significant effect on the local ecosystem,” says Team Lead Dakila G. “This challenge taught me about the various ecological effects of offshore windfarms in marine biodiversity. Marine animals tend to dramatically decrease in number during construction due to noise and trawling effects.” As New York City plans to introduce new offshore windfarms to meet its commitment to achieving a fully renewable electricity grid within the next 15 years, challenge participants were tasked with finding innovative solutions to ensure that offshore wind farms can offer a truly sustainable energy source, allowing marine life to thrive.

A Wide Range of Marine Biodiversity

“Our community in New York City is home to a wide range of marine biodiversity, from fish and birds to marsh plants and shellfish,” explains team member Lucy L. “It is essential to find solutions to protect these habitats and ecosystems since they play a major role in keeping our environment clean.” Wind is an abundant resource, which peaks in the afternoon and evening, just when energy demands rise and wind farms form an important part of the city’s energy development plans.

As a first step toward developing their BioTurbine Collective solution, the team researched the various aspects of offshore windfarms that can disturb or damage the marine environment. “During construction, noise, habitat destruction, and displacement force marine animals to migrate, disrupt communication, and increase the risk of biodiversity loss, which harms the ecosystem’s balance,” says team member Mikaela V. “Furthermore, I realized how strongly the ocean is affected by human actions and how important it is to design wind farms efficiently to reduce all the negative impacts to try to protect our ocean, therefore, our planet.”

Real World Problem Solving

The disruption is not limited to the construction stage. The rotating wind turbines can alter currents and water movement and impact the distribution of plankton and other nutrients that marine species rely on. The noise the wind farms emit can affect navigation and communication among marine life while cables generate electromagnetic fields.

“This topic required real world problem solving skills and strong collaboration skills with my peers,” explains Anna L. “We had to analyze all the layers interconnected within a single topic, as a group we had to consider the scientific, social and environmental factors to our solution. We had to research, collaborate and bring our utmost creativity skills.” The brainstorming among team members paid off, and they focused their efforts on a novel solution: Turning the wind turbines into reef-like, living ecosystems that support marine animals and enable them to thrive, rather than harming them. 

To achieve this result, their design incorporates several innovative elements. Turbine foundations are built of eco-friendly materials such as limestone and recycled concrete to create safe homes for fish, bivalves, crabs, shrimps and other sea creatures. Bubble curtains reduce construction noise by up to 95%, protecting sensitive species like marine birds and pelagic fish. Water is kept clean by shellfish reefs and kelp forests that remove nitrogen and phosphorus, while also providing shelter and nutrition to marine species.

The team also envisages blocking trawl fishing around the turbines to prevent overfishing and support the recovery of fish populations. The BioTurbine Collective team added smart technology components to their project with underwater cameras and eDNA monitoring systems to provide visuals and data on the animals and their behavior. The students envisaged using 3-D printers to craft the artificial reefs that will add more shellfish habitats.

Testing Their Approach

The team members tested their approach, using an environmental simulation model, Ecopath. The results were exciting and showed clear signs of biodiversity improvements. Reef fish (+40%), bivalves (+30%) and crustaceans in particular increased in number significantly. They also found that trawl exclusion produced strong gains, especially for bottom-dwelling species. Noise and electromagnetic field reduction had more limited effects but still contributed to protecting sensitive species like sharks and birds.

“My teammates were really dedicated people and had a genuine interest in marine biodiversity,” says team member Biying L., explaining that participants had varying interpretations of the problem at first. Through intense and convivial discussions, they arrived at a solution. “We had diverse and meaningful ideas that came together well.” For the students, the challenge offered a valuable opportunity to apply their skills to real-world problems while learning and collaborating with their peers.

“Throughout this challenge, I have been exposed to various new topics and have been able to expand my knowledge with regard to marine biodiversity and how we can help encourage it,” says team member Aizah Z. “Overall, this project has allowed me to develop new skills such as thinking outside of the box by teaching me a significant amount about marine biodiversity and also assisting with collaboration.”

Save2Serve

Organic composting.

As global food waste continues despite widespread hunger, the winning team in the Fall 2025 Junior Academy Innovation Challenge focused on reducing post-harvest losses in Sub-Saharan Africa by designing an affordable cooling transport system to keep produce fresh longer.

Published May 8, 2026

By Nicole Pope

Organic composting.
A series of different logos.
Winner of the Junior Academy Challenge – Fall 2025
“Food Waste”

Sponsored by Stevens Initiative

Team members: Jana H. (Team Lead) (Egypt), Louay C. (Tunisia), Tiffany G. (Massachusetts, United States), Neev H. (Virginia, United States), Adam A. (Egypt), Salwa A. (Egypt)
Mentor: Brisa Torres (Germany)

All over the world, up to one billion meals are wasted every day, according to a United Nations study. In fact, some estimates suggest that about one third of all food produced is wasted on the journey from farm to fork. At the same time, over 700 million people have limited access to nutritious meals and go hungry. Clearly, urgent action is needed to tackle food waste. The teams participating in the Fall 2025 Junior Academy Innovation Challenge sought to do just that by developing innovative approaches to prevent food from going bad before it can be consumed.

Members of the winning team, who called their project Save2Serve, explored the situation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where up to 50% of fruits and vegetables spoil before reaching markets. They found that, due to the lack of affordable cold-chain transport, post-harvest food loss is one of the major obstacles to food security and economic stability in many countries of the region.

“Learning about the communities in Sub-Saharan Africa changed my understanding of the problem. I knew food waste was a global issue, but I didn’t realize how often people lose food simply because they cannot keep it cold during transport,” admits team member Tiffany G. “Limited access to reliable refrigeration makes it hard for farmers and sellers to protect what they grow.”

Exploring All Aspects

While developing their solution, the team delved into all aspects of the problem. “This challenge has been such an incredible learning opportunity. I genuinely gained a lot of knowledge from not only researching solutions, but also connecting with my teammates,” says team member Neev H. “Having intellectual conversations with peers from around the world was eye-opening to me, and I’m extremely grateful to have had this opportunity.” In addition to impacting the lives of local communities and costing the countries of the region billions of dollars, food waste also accounts for around 9% of global greenhouse emissions and a third of the world’s agricultural land is used unproductively.

For the team, working on this project was eye-opening. “This experience has profoundly impacted my awareness of food waste and the many factors that contribute to it. I realized how often food is discarded not because it is inedible but due to aesthetic standards or logistical limitations like insufficient refrigerated transport,” explains Team Lead Jana H. “Ultimately, this reflection has deepened my commitment to addressing food waste and its broader implications. The experience was a reminder that meaningful change starts with awareness and determination to act.”

Farmers in SSA often transport their produce in poorly insulated or even open trucks, leaving the food exposed to high temperatures. Traditional refrigerated trucks are often too costly to purchase, their fuel consumption is high, and they require regular maintenance that many farmers can’t afford.

An Ingenious Solution

The students came up with an ingenious solution, which involves retrofitting trucks with solar panels and vacuum-insulated panels to provide cool transport at lower cost. “Working on our retrofit truck idea made me dive deep into things I never would’ve before. It also taught me a lot about how the food chain works,” says team member Salwa A. “Throughout the project, I learned a lot from my teammates and enjoyed working with them. When we had different perspectives, we discussed them and focused on what would make a difference for our community.”

Their innovative, hybrid cooling system involves fitting solar panels on the roof of the truck to power a DC compressor. They equipped the interior walls of the truck with phase change material (PCM) panels, which serve as thermal batteries filled with paraffin wax. The PCM panels freeze at a set temperature to store cold energy and keep the cargo cool for long periods without running the compressor. Humidity and temperature sensors enable close monitoring of the cargo bay, allowing the driver to start the compressor if needed to prevent food spoilage.

The Potential Impact

To measure the potential impact of their new design, the team used artificial intelligence (AI) to run a system simulation. Their analysis revealed that their retrofit system could reduce energy use by 35% and operational costs by 25% with an initial investment much lower than the cost of a traditional truck. In their retrofitted vehicle, sensitive crops like tomatoes could be transported to market at a stable temperature of around 13oC, thus significantly reducing spoilage rates.

Identifying the elements of their solution and working on their project presentation involved intense online collaboration between the members of this international team, under the supervision of their mentor. “This project helped me develop confidence in sharing my ideas, even when I wasn’t completely sure they were perfect,” explains team member Adam A. “Every meeting taught me something new — not just about our topic, but about teamwork, respect, and what it means to truly listen.”

To ensure their solution was practical and met local needs, the participants conducted community surveys, which showed that, overall, respondents found their approach realistic and workable. The team also contacted experts for feedback and suggestions for further refinement of their hybrid cooling system. “This balanced experience of tackling a pressing issue in the African continent made me more aware of how responsible youth can be,” says team member Louay C. “It showed me how people from completely different backgrounds and fields can unify around a single goal and a single problem to be solved.”

Radiantis: Solar in Structure

Solar panels.

As rising global energy demand increases pressure to expand renewable power sources, in particular solar power, the winning team in the Fall 2025 Junior Academy Innovation Challenge developed an automated system to keep solar panels clean and operating efficiently.

Published May 8, 2026

By Nicole Pope

Solar panels.
Winner of the Junior Academy Challenge – Fall 2025
“Energy Infrastructure: Solar Power”

Sponsored by The New York Academy of Sciences

Team members: Hosila K. (Team Lead) (Uzbekistan), Yifan (Trevor) X. (China), Mohammed A. (Egypt), Nazli M. (Azerbaijan), Ruiheng (Ryan) W. (China), Lowri P. (United Kingdom)
Mentor: Ranjit Sahu (Virginia, United States)

Demand for energy keeps growing around the world, boosted in part by power-intensive new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Increasing energy production from renewable sources – solar power, in particular – is an obvious choice to curb greenhouse emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. But issues like aging power grids designed for fossil fuels or fluctuations in solar energy output still hinder the adoption of renewable energy in some countries.

The teams participating in the Fall 2025 Junior Academy Innovation Challenge were asked to design an innovative and scalable solution to address infrastructure and storage issues, andmake solar energy use more reliable, efficient, and economical. The six international members of the winning team, from China, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and the United Kingdom, focused on developing automatic systems to keep solar panels clean, thus ensuring they can function at maximum capacity.

Initial Research

The team’s initial research revealed that solar panels can lose 10-15% of their efficiency, and up to 25% in arid regions, in just a few weeks. This translates into up to $10 billion losses annually for the industry. To promote wider adoption of solar power, the participants decided to tackle the maintenance of solar panels, an often overlooked but crucial aspect of solar energy. “I was shocked to learn that ‘soiling’ dust building up on panels is actually a multi-billion-dollar problem that can slash efficiency by more than 25%,” explains Team Lead Hosila H. “That showed me maintenance and technical issues are just as important as affordability in the clean energy transition.”

Collaborating online through the Launchpad platform, the participants designed the Distributed Predicted Reflex System (DPR), a sophisticated, self-operating device that keeps solar panels clean without human intervention and thus optimizes power generation. “Through mutual collaboration, we transitioned from initially working independently to making progress as a group, supporting each other with a clear division of labor,” says Ruiheng (Ryan) W., who offers a reminder that ensuring access to  “affordable and clean energy like solar power, and ensuring people benefit from technological convenience and harmonious communities” is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the UN 2030 Agenda.

A Fully Autonomous Solution

Internally, their 3D model includes a processor, the system’s brain, which monitors dust buildup, as well as DC motors and relays to activate the cleaning mechanisms. The exterior design features two antennas (a short-range Zigbee for local mesh networking and a long-range LoRaWN for cloud communication). A waterproof casing integrates power inputs from the solar panels, environmental sensor ports, and nozzle outlets for targeted air-jet cleaning. The system can be mounted securely to solar panel frames and draws power directly from the host panel. When sensors detect levels of soiling that disrupt power generation, compressed air travelling through the tubes is released to remove accumulated dust.

To make their solution fully autonomous, the team members gave their system three core attributes or functions. They made it “distributed”, which means that devices form a local network that works even if central communication fails. The DPR is also “predictive” and can forecast coming dust storms using weather data and act in advance. The DPR was given a “reflex” function, using sensors and smart algorithms to detect dust and activate air-based cleaning automatically. “The most important lesson I learned is that innovation is not only about having a big idea, but also about smart execution, strong team spirit, solid research, and the dedication of all team members,” says team member Mohammed A.

An Ambitious Project

With this ambitious project, the team aimed to turn solar panels into fully responsive assets that can maintain peak efficiency while supporting grid stability. Team member Yifan (Trevor) X. was already interested in solar power before working on this project with his international teammates. “Previously, I independently completed a prototype design for a solar cleaning vessel,” he explains. “This team collaboration made me realize that regular discussions and phased progress can achieve research goals more effectively. This further strengthened my belief in international scientific cooperation.”

While designing their project, the high school students also focused closely on sustainability and environmental impact. They estimated that the DPR, deployed in a 1 MW solar farm, could save 1 million liters of water annually, or the equivalent of drinking water for 2,500 people, while the energy recovered through cleaning would be sufficient to power an additional 200 homes.

“Academically, I realized that for a project to be successful, you have to consider an array of factors and consequences, even if they go against what you are trying to propose,” says team member Lowri P. The device they conceived has a modular design, which makes it easy to repair, and is built to last at least seven years. More than 90% of the components can be recycled at the end of its life.

“Working together with others helps you see the world through different perspectives and appreciate the power of teamwork in achieving meaningful outcomes,” says team member Nazli M. “This experience taught me that innovation is not about having access to the best resources — it’s about creativity, collaboration, and determination. Even with limited resources, it’s possible to create something truly significant.”

Own Your Success: Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

A graphic of the silhouette of a face.

June 16, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET

In the high-achieving, high-pressure world of STEM, even the most accomplished scientists can quietly ask themselves: Was that success really earned—or just luck? When will people around me realize I am not nearly as smart or skilled as they think I am? Do I even deserve success? If these questions resonate, you are not alone. 

Imposter Syndrome is a behavioral pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments despite clear evidence of their competence or success. Today, up to 82% of individuals report experiencing these feelings at some point in their lives. These feelings can be especially pervasive in STEM fields, where narrow definitions of success, constant evaluation, and underrepresentation can intensify pressure.

This interactive workshop, titled “Own Your Success: Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome,” is designed specifically to help students, researchers, and faculty engaged in STEM fields understand the nuances behind Imposter Syndrome and learn about ways to address it. In a supportive and welcoming environment, participants will:

  • Explore the definition, history, and root causes of Imposter Syndrome
  • Take the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Test and debrief results together—normalizing the experience in real time
  • Learn about who is more likely to experience Imposter Syndrome
  • Examine the consequences of Imposter Syndrome
  • Explore and practice evidence-based coping strategies, including an interactive reframing exercise

By addressing Imposter Syndrome openly, the workshop is intended to foster emotional intelligence, strengthen peer connections, and help create a culture where advocating for ourselves and others becomes the norm—not the exception. When we learn to recognize and own our accomplishments, we strengthen not only ourselves, but the broader scientific enterprise.

This interactive workshop will be conducted via Zoom meeting. Participants will be invited to engage in discussions and activities at a level that aligns with their individual comfort and preferences.

Speaker

Zamara Choudhary

Program Manager, Education,
The New York Academy of Sciences

Zamara Choudhary oversees a portfolio of professional learning programming at The New York Academy of Sciences designed to accelerate career advancement for scientists, students, STEM professionals, educators, and adult learners. She leads the Leon Levy Scholarship in Neuroscience’s Mentorship Program, the Academy’s Internship Program, and alumni engagement for the Stevens Initiative. Passionate about democratizing knowledge across disciplines and continents, Zamara spent a decade in cultural institutions building expertise in international program design and management, teaching, fundraising, research, and public engagement. She holds a Master’s in Arts Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in History, English, and Arabic Studies from the CUNY Macaulay Honors College at Hunter College.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $20

Academy Education Experts Lead K–12 Workshop

Three women pose in front of a sign.

Scientific literacy begins with curiosity. At the American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting, educators from The New York Academy of Sciences showed scientists how hands-on experiences can bring complex research to life for K–12 students.

Published March 13, 2026

By Zamara Choudhary, Adrienne Umali, and Danielle Mink-Bellizzi

Making science matter starts with making it matter to young people.

In Making Your Science Matter: Effective Communication for K–12 Engagement, we invited scientists to rethink how they share their work beyond the lab and university classroom. At a time of mounting misinformation, declining public trust, and uneven access to quality STEM education, the session underscored a simple but urgent truth: scientists themselves are powerful catalysts for building scientific literacy.

The Academy engages more than 16,000 K–12 students annually through mentorship and hands-on programming. Yet, nearly half of young people lack a clear understanding of what STEM careers look like. Furthermore, 79% of students entering Academy programs report never having met a scientist before. That first interaction between student and scientist can be transformative.

We began the workshop by grounding it in why scientist engagement with K-12 students is of utmost importance. We explained the “opportunity gap” in STEM is not about ability, but access. By equipping scientists to engage effectively with diverse K–12 audiences, we aim to multiply points of contact between young people and scientists of various backgrounds. Representation matters. When students see scientists who remind them of themselves, understanding scientific concepts and pursuing a career in STEM become more approachable and attainable.

Scientists also stand to benefit immensely from interacting with K-12 students. Communicating science to young audiences strengthens public engagement skills and provides concrete teaching experience—an increasingly important asset in a competitive and evolving job market. As more researchers consider roles in education, policy, and community engagement, the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible, meaningful experiences is no longer optional.

The Proven Impact of Hands-on Engagement

We then guided participants through an interactive activity that illustrated key principles necessary for turning complex ideas into discovery-driven experiences. Participants built simple circuits using a battery, an LED, and their own graphite drawing. When they saw the LED flicker to life through their drawing, the excitement in the room was palpable. Simple activities like these spark curiosity. Through trial and error, participants learned that failure is data. Failure, reframed as information, then becomes a powerful teaching tool.

The workshop culminated with a design challenge, where participants worked together in discipline-based groups to create a physical model explaining a scientific concept to a specific age category. They were asked to consider: what must a student understand before the model makes sense? How can I connect that idea to something they already know? Each group then presented their model to other groups, who took on the role of students in that specific age category. A final discussion prompted participants to reflect on what they learned throughout the workshop and how they might apply activity-based learning to cultivating curiosity of and knowledge of science with young people.

Data from the Academy’s programs reinforce what participants experienced firsthand: sustained, hands-on engagement with scientists increases students’ understanding of what scientists do and how science affects everyday life. By helping researchers design experiences that spark curiosity and belonging, workshops like this one remind us that effective science communication is not about simplifying facts or “dumbing down” information. It is about building bridges—across ages, disciplines, and communities—so that the next generation is ready to ask, and answer, the questions that matter most.

Interested in learning more about the Academy’s Education programs and applying these strategies to your own work? Learn more here.

Spring Speed Networking Game Night

A collage of shots from a previous networking event.

May 14, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET

115 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10006

Join The New York Academy of Sciences for an evening of high-energy connection, friendly competition, and community building at our Spring Speed Networking Game Night!

Designed for STEM graduate students, postdocs, and early career researchers and professionals across academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector, this interactive event combines structured networking with fast-paced trivia and team challenges to spark meaningful connections. It offers a welcoming space to connect, compete, and celebrate innovation together in a vibrant STEM community.

All participants will be invited to submit their information to a participant directory, so the information can be centralized and made available to everyone.

Agenda

6:00 – 6:35 PM

Meet the Contestants: Speed Networking Elevator Pitch Round

Participants will fill out their “Contestant Card” with their name, field, affiliation, and career level. They will then pair up for a series of five-minute rounds, delivering a 60-second elevator pitch to each new connection. Each round will feature a creative prompt, challenging participants to adjust their pitch to incorporate their answer to the question.

6:35 – 7:30 PM

The Competition: Trivia and Team Challenges

Next, participants will form teams of 4–6 and compete in STEM-themed trivia rounds with interactive challenges. These games are intended to cultivate a welcoming and dynamic environment where connections can be formed through shared experiences. It is also an opportunity to showcase knowledge and skills outside of a traditional academic setting.

7:30 – 8:00 PM

Open Networking Reception

The evening will conclude with an open networking reception with refreshments. Participants will have the opportunity to reconnect with all the people they met as well as meet others.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $30.00

Human Centered AI

A graphic with a woman's head overlayed by digital computer concepts.

Eligibility

  • This challenge is open to all Junior Academy students.
  • Maximum of six (6) students per team, plus one (1) mentor.

Overview

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we live, learn, and connect with the world around us. From making everyday tasks safer and more efficient to unlocking new possibilities in education, healthcare, and the arts, AI holds enormous promise. Yet alongside this potential come real concerns—bias, privacy, environmental impact, AI over-reliance, and misinformation and disinformation being presented as facts. 

Human Centered AI is a design approach that believes that the best-use cases for AI prioritize human needs, values and wellbeing, which can be centered in sectors like education, the arts, medicine and technology at large. AI can be a tool to improve and augment what we can do, rather than replace humans altogether. How can you design a solution that improves human quality of life in a specific sector while also minimizing or eliminating the challenges and risks of AI?

Challenge

Design an innovative solution that centers humans in the use of AI in a particular sector (education, medicine, art, finance, etc.). Solutions should focus on quality of human life and ensure that AI technologies augment human roles rather than replace them.

Consider the following when designing your solution:

  • What sector will your solution address?
  • Who will be your target audience, stakeholder, or AI user? 
  • What specific risk or challenge will your solution mitigate or address?
  • How will your solution increase quality of life for humans? 
  • How could your solution be applied equitably to improve the quality of life for the greatest number of humans?
  • Will your solution be technological, educational, policy-driven, or something else?
  • What might be the cost of your solution? Will it be affordable for your focus audience?
  • What kinds of jobs might be added to the economy to support your solution?
  • How can you use available data and research to inform or test your solution?
  • How will you prototype your solution? 
  • Could your solution be expanded to other sectors that use AI?

See the challenge course syllabus.

Success Evaluation Criteria

Solutions will be judged based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation and Design Thinking: Is the design and approach unique and/or innovative? Does the design show a high degree of originality and imagination?
  • Scientific Quality: Are the appropriate references and analytical methods used and are the insights derived correctly?
  • Presentation Quality: Is this concept concisely and clearly explained? Are the findings/recommendations communicated clearly and persuasively?
  • Commercial Viability/Potential: Does the solution have the potential to make a difference?
  • Sustainability: What is the social impact on local communities? How does the solution incorporate positive environmental or social objectives? Is the solution in line with a sustainable or justice focused future?
  • Teamwork and collaboration: Was the experience a collaborative endeavor? Was the knowledge gained from the experience reflected upon and tied back to a civic engagement mindset? (From Personal Reflections)

See the challenge rubric.

Sponsor

Mental Well-being

A stock photo of three friends posing together while hiking and watching a sunset/sunrise.

Eligibility

  • This challenge is only open to Junior Academy students from the USA and countries in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. Mentors can be from any country.
  • Maximum of six (6) students per team, plus one (1) mentor.

Overview

Adolescence can be an exciting time of incredible growth and development. It can also bring extra responsibilities, added stresses, and complicated social situations that can be detrimental to mental well-being and put young people at risk for developing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. A multitude of factors can compound risk, such as individual genetics and additional traumas. Solutions for preventing, recognizing and coping with stress and mental health conditions exist, but are not always accessible or familiar. Young people and their families may not be familiar with options that exist, or may not know how to access solutions and support. How could you take a public health approach to increase adolescent well-being and/or help young people access mental health support when they need it?

Challenge

Design an innovative public health solution that promotes overall mental health and well being amongst adolescents.

Consider the following when designing your solution:

  • What mental health challenge will you address?
    • Healthy choices for mental well-being
    • Stress management and perceived or real pressure?
    • One or more components of mental well-being? 
    • A specific step such as awareness, prevention, or detection?
    • Environmental impacts such as trauma, unstable home environments, or social media? 
    • Technology impacts such as social media, smart phones, or artificial intelligence (AI)?
    • Something else?
  • How can you include youth voices and perspectives in designing your solution? 
  • How can your solution empower adults (caregivers, teachers, community members, etc.) to play an active role and provide resources and expertise? 
  • How will your solution make mental health resources more accessible? 
  • How will your solution address equity issues in mental health?
    • How might you integrate community co-design into your solution?
    • How might your solution be scaled to impact other regions or other countries? 
  • How might your solution reduce stigma around mental health challenges or conditions? How will it change social norms? 
  • Who will your solution target or empower?
    • Adolescents? 
    • Parents and caregivers? 
    • Community members such as teachers, medical professionals, or neighbors? 
    • Other adolescents such as peers and friends?
  • How will your solution contribute to increasing overall well-being for adolescents? 
  • How might your solution address mental health challenges in your own community or region? How could it be scaled to work in other communities or regions? 
  • What political or social structures could be addressed to support your solution? 

See the challenge course syllabus.

Success Evaluation Criteria

Solutions will be judged based on the following criteria:

  • Innovation and Design Thinking: Is the design and approach unique and/or innovative? Does the design show a high degree of originality and imagination?
  • Scientific Quality: Are the appropriate references and analytical methods used and are the insights derived correctly?
  • Presentation Quality: Is this concept concisely and clearly explained? Are the findings/recommendations communicated clearly and persuasively?
  • Commercial Viability/Potential: Does the solution have the potential to make a difference?
  • Sustainability: What is the social impact on local communities? How does the solution incorporate positive environmental or social objectives? Is the solution in line with a sustainable or justice focused future?
  • Teamwork and collaboration: Was the experience a collaborative endeavor? Was the knowledge gained from the experience reflected upon and tied back to a civic engagement mindset? (From Personal Reflections)

See the challenge rubric.

Sponsors

The Junior Academy is implemented by The New York Academy of Sciences and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.

Engaging with the Media: Essential Tools for Scientists

April 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

115 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10006

Professional collaboration and communication between scientists and journalists combats misinformation and promotes public access to scientific knowledge. This hands-on interactive workshop for scientists and researchers will introduce participants to the process of engaging in media interviews about scientific research from start to finish. 

Participants will learn:

  • How to promote their visibility to reporters 
  • How to decide whether to accept an interview 
  • What different types of reporters are seeking from scientist sources
  • How to choose language effectively, with particular focus on reducing the chances of being misunderstood or misquoted

Through presentations, discussions, and activities, participants will boost their knowledge and skills and become empowered to engage with the media strategically and confidently.

The workshop is designed and delivered by SciLine, which enhances the amount and quality of scientific evidence in news stories. SciLine is an affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society. 

This training will be held in-person at the Academy’s space on 115 Broadway, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10006. Space is limited. Attendees are encouraged to register early.

Speakers

Headshot of Tori Espensen
Tori Espensen, PhD

Media Training Manager

Tori leads SciLine’s training programs, which help both scientists and journalists learn to work better together to bring accurate, engaging scientific evidence to general audiences through news stories. Her role includes developing curricula, facilitating workshops and webinars, and finding creative ways to make teaching science and communication skills dynamic and interactive. Tori’s PhD in biological psychopathology and postdoctoral fellowship in psychiatry, both from the University of Minnesota, allow her to connect with the scientists she trains and share her deep understanding of scientific skills and concepts with journalists.

Pricing

Member: Free

Nonmember: $50

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