JSTI East offers unique research opportunity for students interested in STEM

Did you know ORISE administers a two-week residential program in Maryland for current high school and middle school students and high school teachers that exposes them to scientific research through hands-on projects?

From July 13-26, ORISE hosted the Joint Science and Technology Institute at Towson University. Also known as JSTI East for its location, this two-week, fully funded, residential STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) research experience enables participants to work with DoD scientists and STEM experts to inspire and increase awareness of career opportunities in STEM-related fields. There is also a one-week program for middle school students.

In addition to the student programs, there is a residential program for high school teachers that equips them to take the research and innovations in STEM fields back to their classrooms to inspire and encourage students and influence their and career paths.

The student programs offer a variety of opportunities, including making new friends, working with scientists, and taking home experiences that will impact their future careers.

“I love getting to soak in hands-on activities in the lab,” said Betty Esayas, a student from North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Ga. “I was able to talk to professionals who have degrees and experience in the lab setting. It was amazing having those resources to learn from.”

In addition to the research activities, participants collaborated with each other, and took part in fun recreational activities, such as spending a day exploring Washington, D.C. The overall experience of JSTI East allows students to build relationships with their peers who have similar interests and mindsets.

“All of the people here are very similar so it’s easy to make connections,” said Avery Kahre, a student at Farmington Junior High School in Farmington, Ark. “Everyone here has been absolutely amazing, and I have had a wonderful time spending time with them.”

Throughout JSTI, students learned about topics of interest to them. They were divided into groups, and each group had a designated research area. Some of the research areas for this year’s program included aerospace engineering, mathematics modeling, and chemistry. Throughout the program, students dug deeper into their assigned research area through hands-on activities.

“We are always doing something to keep us active,” said Sophia Severson, a student at Dwight School in New York. “I have loved being able to take part in hands-on tasks. In my group we are working on bikes and getting our hands greasy is something I have never come across before.” Severson’s research project was centered around the experimental design process with a goal of making physical changes to the design of the bike to yield a faster performance time.

At the end of the two-week program, students present their final projects to their peers, mentors, and friends and family members. Want to learn more about the program? Check out the official JSTI East website and be on the lookout for information to come regarding the 2025 program.