Harvard SEAS Lab Visit Organized by the Boston Chapter
BranchOut! Boston organized a visit for a group of high school students to a Harvard Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) lab in Cambridge on August 22nd. During the visit, the students received a comprehensive tour of the labs and the facility and had the opportunity to interact with scientists and researchers who shared insights about their projects. Ben, a PhD student at the lab, enthusiastically discussed his recent research on polymers and their ability to enhance the viscosity of substances. Additionally, the students observed bacterial colonies on Petri dishes, a demonstration of water droplets moving through oil under magnification, an in-depth explanation of the lab's porous branch, and the potential for innovative solutions to emerge.
During the tour, the students acquired a wealth of knowledge about the operations of the SEAS lab and delved into potential career opportunities. This experience broadened their horizons, as they witnessed the innovative work environment of the Harvard lab and the variety of tools being developed to provide solutions that will undoubtedly benefit society.
During her visit, Clare Lee, a sophomore at Cambridge Latin and Ringe School and the student leader of BranchOut! Boston, was inspired and enlightened. She had the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of STEM enthusiasts, which she found to be both educational and eye-opening. "I gained valuable insights into the utilization of various materials for addressing the pressing issue of fossil fuels contributing to global warming. Witnessing the study of gels and fluids was particularly intriguing, as it was a novel experience for me."
Joanna Dong, a freshman at Lexington Christian Academy, was also captivated by the experience. "I discovered the projects the scientists were involved in, like citrus disease and storing hydrogen underground. Even though I couldn't grasp everything the scientists explained due to my limited scientific background, observing them at work and understanding the different equipment was truly fascinating."
Alyssa Xiang, a freshman at Andover High School, was thrilled by the experience. She expressed her enthusiasm by saying, "We gained insight into their research goals and aspirations. Additionally, we had the opportunity to delve deeper into the scientists' work and witness how they contribute to the betterment of society. In conclusion, I found the trip to be an enriching educational experience."
Ryan Jiang, a sophomore at Lexington High School, gained valuable insights as a student interested in STEM. Witnessing the work of scientists and their utilization of machinery and data was enlightening. Particularly, the nanotech and design segment left a lasting impression on him. Ryan also discovered numerous opportunities available for budding scientists, which he found extremely beneficial at his stage as a high school student. This experience at the lab reignited his passion for science and inspired him to continue learning with the aspiration of one day working in a similar research environment.
Established in 2023, BranchOut! Boston has collaborated with various local nonprofits to provide free educational resources and tutoring to disadvantaged students.
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