May 2025
Students presenting at Lincoln-West
Student Symposiums
Students in our Life as a Scientist program were able to present results from their year-long research projects at two Young Scientist Symposiums held in May at Lincoln-West and Garrett Morgan! These events are a way for students to present their findings in front of their peers, teachers, families, Rise Up volunteers, and community members. We had 24 group presentations spread between the two events. Some of the topics included compost, bioluminescent plants, anxiety, vaping while pregnant, and the impact of spicy foods on our health. After each presentation students fielded questions about their research from attendees. The results that groups presented included real world implications for us all and derived from student-led ideas and research. These students are the experts in their fields, and it was a joy to learn from them!
These were very festive affairs with snacks, drinks, and an opportunity to support and celebrate the research that was conducted at both schools. It was wonderful to see the students present confidently and to receive positive feedback from event attendees. These students worked hard for months on these projects and their preparation showed. Many of the students have never done any public speaking, so this was an opportunity for them to work on an extremely valuable skill. They met the challenge head on!
Students are now focused on finalizing their manuscripts for publication in the 2025 Journal of Young Scientists. All of the research conducted in these projects will be published and made available in print and online. Each student that completes the Life as a Scientist becomes a published author and get their own copies of the Journal of Young Scientists. While you are waiting for this years publication, you can read the 2023 and 2024 editions for free on our website.
Students presenting at Garrett Morgan
Rise Up volunteers at STEM Day
STEM Day!
On Wednesday May 14th, Rise Up joined a record number of over 6,000 students and teachers from 81 different schools throughout Ohio at NEO:STEM’s STEM Day at Progressive Field. This event gave students the opportunity to explore science in a fun and engaging environment before attending a Cleveland Guardians game!
Throughout the morning, students rotated through exhibits and interactive demonstrations that connected science, technology, engineering, and math to real-world applications—including baseball. Rise Up volunteers provided supplies, materials, and expert guidance while they led students through a DNA isolation. Over 400 students had the chance to perform this experiment and see their own DNA—an accessible introduction to molecular biology that sparked plenty of curiosity and great questions.
These pop-up events are a great way for us to interact with local students by bringing fun, hands on experiences to community centers, summer camps, or local festivals. We will continue to interact with students this way throughout the summer!
Thank you to our partner, NEO:STEM, and to the Cleveland Guardians for hosting, and to all the students, educators, and volunteers who made the event a success. Our biggest shoutout goes to Rise Up volunteers Leen, Maddy, and Cali for sharing their vast knowledge and skills!
Our growing crowd at Progressive Field
Support research
We are saddened and dismayed by the proposed funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. Continued federal budget cuts would weaken the science that powers our health, technology, future careers, and economic prosperity. These cuts impact scientists working right here in our own communities and that volunteer their time with Rise Up: Northeast Ohio. Biomedical research is a public good that should be funded and support properly.
If you agree you can join us in fighting back. Please consider using this quick and easy tool from 5 Calls to contact your representatives and urge them to protect NIH and NSF funding.
Let’s stand together for science, education, and the future.
