Community members turned out for the occasion, from Dalton faculty and staff, to science teachers from peer schools and research mentors from laboratories, to parents and students. 

It was a packed house as DSRP students presented their research projects in the library, with abstracts representing months of independent inquiry. Visitors engaged with the presenters, asking questions about their methodologies and exploring the diverse range of scientific questions addressed by the students. With 16 Dalton and two peer school research projects on display, the fascinating topics were as varied as cancer and microplastics, to heavy metals and DNA architecture. Research presented by sophomores represented work completed in school this year, while those presented by juniors and seniors included research performed at laboratories under the supervision and guidance of mentors. 

Keynote Speaker Dr. Aaron Berliner from Weill Cornell Medical addressed the crowd in the Martin Theater, highlighting his work applying synthetic biology and chemical engineering to develop the life-support technologies necessary for long-term space missions. 

With the symposium complete, DSRP students have now turned their focus to compiling their research into a full scientific journal. 

Overall, it was an engaging and enlightening event highlighting the university-caliber, student-driven research conducted by our impressive DSRP students. We look forward to bringing back the symposium next year, where we plan to include even more peer school students, creating a space where student scientists from around the city can proudly share their work. 

Interested in learning more about the Dalton Science Research Program? Check out this video.