Ellenville Jr/Sr High School's College Biology II students took center stage this spring, presenting original research at the 22nd Annual Current Events Symposium. The two-day event, held March 25 and 26 in the High School Media Center, gave students the opportunity to explore cutting-edge topics in modern biology and share their findings with an audience of peers, staff, and community members.
The symposium reflected the breadth of contemporary biological science. Presenters tackled such diverse topics as a bacterial approach to cancer therapy; the environmental impact of fracking; regeneration in axolotls (a kind of salamander); the development of lupus treatments; and RNA nanotechnology. Other presentations focused on urban wildlife, natural selection in modern humans, and the relationship between language and the brain.
The presenters were current Grade 11 and 12 students earning college credits through the Ellenville Collegian program. College Biology teacher Jennifer Schoonmaker sees the symposium as an opportunity that extends well beyond the classroom. "The presentations fulfill the college independent research requirement, but they also show us where the most current scientific research fits into our coursework and society, as well as help cultivate critical public speaking skills," she said.
Congratulations to all 11 presenters on staging an informative, thought-provoking, and highly successful symposium!