- Plano Independent School District
- Homepage
2020 National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
April 22, 2020
During the 58th National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), the premier showcase for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) research by high school students, student researchers in STEM and humanities connected virtually to compete for scholarship and awards.
- Alay Shah, Plano West Senior High junior, earned second place in physical sciences oral presentation to received an $8,000 scholarship for his research titled: Computational Eye-Tracking Biomarker for Improved Neuropsychological Evaluation via Deep Learning.
This competition, sponsored by the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force, is administered by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and gives students (grades 9-12) a chance to present original scientific research and compete for scholarships and cash awards, while participating in workshops, panel discussions, career explorations and research lab visits.
National winners first presented their original scientific research at one of 47 regional competitions hosted by universities and colleges in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Department of Defense (DoD) Schools of Europe and the Pacific Rim. The top five students from each region—230 high school students in total—then participated in oral or poster presentations during this national event. The first and second place regional finalists competed for a chance to earn scholarships ranging from $4,000-$12,000, while the third, fourth and fifth place regional finalists competed in the poster competition for a chance to win cash awards.
“We were honored to be able to create a virtual space this year to recognize the work that these young researchers have been working on all year long.” said Alexis Mundis, JSHS Project Manager.
About JSHS
The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is a tri-service program founded by the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force to encourage high school students to conduct original research in STEM fields. In cooperation with higher education, program sponsors include the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics & Technology); Office of Naval Research, Arlington, VA; and Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Washington, DC. JSHS is administered by the National Science Teachers Association, the larger professional organization in the world promoting science teaching and learning for all.