Fostering intellectual curiosity, the STEM class guides students through the science fair and research process regardless of prior experience. Through project-based learning, mentorship, and hands-on experimentation, students learn how to develop original research questions, design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and clearly present their findings. The class encourages students to think independently, troubleshoot challenges, and refine their ideas through trial and error. By emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem solving, the course builds both confidence and technical skills, preparing students for competitive science fairs and future STEM endeavors.
Project: Using mediated drug therapy to disrupt SLC6A4 function in adult C. elegans to study how hereditary Serotonin transporter deficits influence molecular and behavioral markers linked to hereditary suicide vulnerability in adolescent C. elegans. I hypothesis that if the Serotonin signaling molecules are increased in adult parental organisms, then their offspring will show decreased levels of suicidal inclinations anti-depressant medication because this is similar to how SSRIs work to prevent SERT re-uptake of Serotonin signaling molecules which promote an increase in Serotonin signaling molecules.