Each year, young scientists around New York City have a chance to learn crucial and dynamic aspects of scientific research. As the school year draws to a close, they present the results of year-long research projects to their peers and mentors.
The students’ research is conducted under the mentorship of scientists at the American Museum of Natural History as part of its Science Research Mentoring Program (SRMP) or at one of its 12 partner institution programs. The students in these programs undertake actual research projects, learn lab technique, work with a scientist mentor and receive a stipend. Their results showcase the importance of providing substantive experience and exposure for a diverse range of students with interest in STEM fields.
SRMP participants Tatyana Graham and Alejandro Schmieder presented their research, “Jaguar feeding ecology: advances from next-generation sequencing.” A senior at Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy, a public high school in the Bronx, Graham learned of a local science research program from a ninth-grade science teacher.
“She recognized my skill and passion in the subject,” said Graham. After participating in that 14-month internship, she was able to get into SRMP. “I’ve seen and been able to experience things that I never would have thought I could have done.
“I feel very privileged and blessed to have been able to get these opportunities and information that other people don’t know at such a young age,” she added. She will attend the honors college at Pace University in the fall on an academic scholarship. Graham wants to major in environmental science, but said long-term she may pursue law school so that she can become an environmental activist.
While she understands that she’s at an advantage being in New York City, she encourages young people everywhere with a passion for science to seek out resources and opportunities. Teachers helped guide her and she hopes they’ll do the same for other students.
Dr. Claudia Wultsch, a research associate at the museum, who works with endangered species conservation, has been part of SRMP for four years. Recently her work has focused on jaguars in Central America. Wultsch said introducing high school students to the principles of carnivore conservation and guiding them through the research and interpretation of the results allows her to take students through the full process.
