Broadneck Student Attends Joint Science And Technology Institute East

Arnold resident and Broadneck High School student Delaney Thornton was one of 44 students who attended the Joint Science and Technology Institute (JSTI) East, an educational opportunity to expand their knowledge and experience in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) from July 15-28. JSTI East is a two-week residential program in Maryland for current high school students, teachers and alumni of the JSTI program that exposes them to scientific research through hands-on projects. There is also a one-week component for middle school students.

Thornton collaborated with scientists and was mentored by Department of Defense scientists and experts in STEM fields. They worked with their peers to complete a hands-on research project in a professional lab setting. Project topics included:

• Cycling Smarter not Harder: A Study in Experimental Design
• Communicating Through Video Stories
• Metal Nanoparticles Synthesis and Optical Characterization - a project to understand the science behind size and shape dependent behavior of nanoparticles
• Mathematics and Modeling Mania
• Flight Design and Dynamics
• Design Engineering in the Era of AI
• Electronic and Military Packaging Design

The educational program was a fully funded research opportunity for high school students from the United States and from U.S. Department of Defense schools around the world. It was sponsored by the Chemical and Biological Defense Program and managed by Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education. The program encouraged students to gain confidence in their own abilities, increased STEM literacy, and exposed students to the importance of STEM through hands-on research.

“We love this two-week immersive event for students. It’s an opportunity to learn from mentor—researchers who are experts in a STEM field — in a real-world setting,” said Jennifer Tyrell, ORISE associate manager. “JSTI opens the door for high schoolers to perform research in an area they’re interested in, experience a day in the life of people who work in that field, and make relevant networking connections. Our participants gain so much value from this program.”