Three University Laboratory School High Schoolers Attend an Immersive Summer Science Program in London
September 06, 2023
BATON ROUGE - Three students from the University Laboratory School (ULS) were able to participate in the 65th annual London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) thanks to a federal grant, with additional assistance from the University Lab School Foundation. LIYSF is a 15-day STEM camp attended by 500 students from 70 countries. Seniors Ava Creel and Samuel Adjei along with class of 2023 graduate Anna Beth Henley were selected to represent the Lab School. The trio was accompanied by secondary principal Frank Rusciano who is passionate about the experience this STEM learning provides.
“To do research, present the research, and be immersed in such a comprehensive STEM program was a life-changing opportunity for these three students. I am already planning and working with students to have more participants in 2024,” said Rusciano.
The students attended lectures from cutting-edge scientists and Nobel Prize winners,
visited world renowned scientific labs and explored new study and career paths. Creel,
Henley and Adjei also took advantage of the opportunity to present their research
in the LIYSF Science Bazaar poster project event.
Creel’s research titled “How Does a Student's Environment, Activities and Attitudes Contribute to Satisfaction” looked at evaluations of statistics and anonymous comparisons to peers to draw a conclusion about how people are motivated.
Henley’s research, “Choice Induced Change”, focused on a type of cognitive dissonance called choice-induced preference change, where individuals change their preferences to fit their past decisions. Subjects in multiple age groups were tested to see how this bias manifested through childhood.
Adjei’s research topic was “The Effects of Ambient Air Pollution on Birds’ Migratory Behaviors”. His goal was to identify if birds avoid areas of high pollution when migrating. He has accepted an invitation to speak about his research at the LSU Veterinary School in May.
“The journey to London enriched my understanding of the research process," said Adjei. "The exposure to different perspectives and methodologies taught me to approach problems creatively and broaden my horizons. The competition itself was an eye-opening experience. Presenting to a diverse audience of people from around the world, including experts in various fields, was challenging and exhilarating. I am grateful our school fosters such an environment of growth and learning.”
Representatives from the Lab School are looking forward to sending more students to LISYM in summer 2024. In April, the school will hold a school-wide science research exhibition. The students with the four highest scoring projects will be awarded a school sponsored trip to London and the opportunity to present their research on an international stage at LIYSF.
About University Laboratory School
The University Laboratory School was established by the College of Education, now
known as the College of Human Sciences & Education, of Louisiana State University
and has operated under its auspices for nearly 100 years. This coeducational school
exists as an independent system to provide training opportunities for pre- and in-service
teachers and to serve as a demonstration and educational research center. The school
is located on the main campus of LSU in Baton Rouge.
Visit the University Lab School website.
About CHSE
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, the School of Social Work, and the University Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs, 18 graduate programs, and 7 online graduate degree and/or certificate programs, enrolling more than 1,900 undergraduate and 1,120 graduate students. The College is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across the lifespan.