New St. John's Science Program Inspires High School Students' Passion for Research

April 23, 2012

Talented science students from 14 New York City-area high schools have gained an inside look at how to pursue a research career through a new, competitive St. John’s University program featuring on-campus tours and lectures by four distinguished professors.

Through the Science Honors Program for High School Students, “St. John’s has done something special for young people who have a passion for research,” said Ivana Vancurova, Ph.D., Professor of Biological Sciences. “We’re inspiring them to follow their dreams.”

Dr. Vancurova created the program, which was offered for the first time this semester. She and Cecelia Russo, Director of Pre-Admission Programs at St. John’s, distributed applications to high schools throughout the five boroughs and Long Island. More than 200 students responded, and 150 were selected based on academic achievement.

Participants came to the Queens, NY, campus for once-a-month lectures by four of the University’s leading science professors. Through the presentations, held from January through April, faculty members discussed their specializations and shared their experiences as researchers. Students also toured laboratories in St. Albert Hall.

“We receive so many requests from local high school students who want to conduct advanced research with our faculty,” said Dr. Vancurova. “Since we are unable to accommodate them due to limited space in our facilities, this is another way to help young people who are interested in science careers.”

“This program has meant a great deal to our science students,” said Renee Barcia, a teacher and Science Research Coordinator at Herricks High School, in New Hyde Park, NY. “Our ninth- and 10th-grade science students were exposed to information that’s not usually available to them.”

“It was a great opportunity,” said Thushara Thomas, a 14-year-old ninth-grader at Herricks High School. “It’ll look great on my transcript, and I really look forward to the lectures.” Dustin Liu, Thushara’s classmate, added, “The talks gave us a chance to learn about research from experts.”

Students attended these lectures: “Introduction to Biochemistry and Cancer Research,” by Ales Vancura, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Biological Sciences; “Introduction to Immunology and Inflammation Research,” by Dr. Vancurova; and “Introduction to Cell Biology and Neurodegenerative Disease Research,” by Simon Moller, Ph.D., Biological Sciences. Enju Wang, Ph.D., Chemistry, delivered the final lecture — “Introduction to Chemical Analysis and Chemical Sensors” — on April 21.

In addition to Herricks, other participating schools were the Academy of American Studies, Excelsior Preparatory Academy, St. Francis Preparatory School, Richmond Hill High School, and Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical High School, Queens; Bronx High School of Science, Bronx; Cathedral High School, Manhattan; Jericho High School, Jericho; Miller Place High School, Miller Place; Sewanhaka High School, Floral Park; Smithtown High School, St. James and Smithtown; St. Edmund Preparatory High School and Xaverian High School, Brooklyn.