On Feb. 14, some of the country’s most gifted high school scholars gathered in Boston for the annual American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) conference, which took place in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) yearly meeting. A key attraction of the event was MIT’s continued hosting of its esteemed “Breakfast with Scientists,” where students were afforded a singular chance to engage with leading scientific figures from around the globe.
The AJAS conference opened with a reception at the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing, featuring a keynote address by professor of biology and chemistry Catherine Drennan, who welcomed 162 high school students hailing from 21 states. These young delegates were chosen through state Academy of Science competitions, granting them the opportunity to present their work and connect with fellow students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
During breakfast, students interacted with esteemed scientists, including MIT faculty members, Nobel Prize winners, and industry pioneers, as they discussed research topics, career options, and the broader consequences of scientific breakthroughs.
Amy Keating, head of the biology department at MIT, conversed with students ranging from high school juniors to college sophomores at her table. The conversation flowed freely as they talked about the life of a scientist at a prestigious institution like MIT. One student voiced apprehension regarding the competitive nature of innovative research atmospheres, prompting Keating to reassure them with the statement, “MIT adheres to a collaborative ethos instead of a competitive one.”
At a different table, Nobel laureate and former MIT postdoctoral researcher Gary Ruvkun shared an amusing moment with students, sharing a laugh over a TikTok video they had produced to illustrate their science fair project. This interaction showcased the inherent curiosity and enthusiasm that fuels discovery at every stage of a scientific career.
Donna Gerardi, executive director of the National Association of Academies of Science, emphasized the importance of the AJAS program. “These students are not solely competing at science fairs; they are integrating into a wider scientific community. The relationships they build here can influence their careers and future contributions to science.”
In addition to breakfast, AJAS delegate participants engaged in a variety of enriching experiences, including lab tours, conference presentations, and hands-on research endeavors.
“I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss my research with experts and receive guidance on the subsequent steps in my educational path,” said Andrew Wesel, a delegate from California.
A hallmark of the AJAS experience was the focus on mentorship and collaboration rather than rivalry. At the conclusion of the conference, delegates were officially inducted as lifetime Fellows of the American Junior Academy of Science, joining a prestigious network of scientists and researchers.
Supported by the MIT School of Science and School of Engineering, the breakfast highlighted MIT’s enduring commitment to nurturing young scientific talent. Faculty and researchers seized the opportunity to inspire students to follow careers in STEM fields, offering valuable insights into the paths accessible to them.
“It was delightful to spend time with such enthusiastic students,” says Kristala Prather, head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at MIT. “One of the most memorable moments for me was sitting next to a young woman who will be joining MIT in the fall — I just have to persuade her to pursue ChemE!”