From freshman year research papers, to senior year mentor shadowing, Math and Science Academy (MSA) seniors have built a diverse portfolio of academic and professional experiences, knowledge and research they will present from Feb. 27 to March 27, 2025.
“Right now, we are at the penultimate moment for senior projects. My favorite aspect of senior projects is when they are figuring out how to apply what they have learned or experienced in some kind of action project that is meaningful to them,” MSA advisor and senior project coordinator Allison Graves said. “It is exciting to see that [senior projects] are impactful to students in determining a career and developing the soft skills they need to be leaders in their eventual professions.
With presentations underway, many seniors recalled the time they spent on the refinement of their projects as they prepared for their final presentations.
“It was definitely a [great deal of] work, but it feels so satisfying and rewarding to finally see my hard work pay off, and this whole wild process come to a close,” senior Gillian Gutierrez said, who’s project is on the relationship between music and medicine.
These projects also help students prepare to enter the workforce or pursue further opportunities, as performing these presentations can play a crucial role in building confidence, skill and resilience.
“The fact that these seniors tackle these projects and they enter the world having done this hard thing gives them the self efficacy to do that similar hard thing in another context, whether it is present in front of a large audience or do some networking,” Graves said.
Although students choose their own math or science topic based on personal interest, various challenges have tested their problem resolution skills and perseverance throughout the senior project process.
“I struggled a lot with keeping myself motivated throughout the whole process, as it became very overwhelming at times, especially as certain due dates came up,” Gillian said. “I have made it out the other end, though, and cannot wait to do my presentation.”
As students navigate these challenges, they are able to reflect on the personal growth they have gained over their senior project journey, acknowledging how each experience has contributed to personal development as individuals and professionals.
“Not only have I learned more about myself and my chosen topic, but also how to interact with specialists in my prospective career field,” senior Sawyer Adams said, whose project is centered around neurology and stroke prevention. “While the process may be stressful and full of obstacles, it’s important to realize how crucial it is for students to explore what they may spend the rest of their lives doing.”
