Nov. 14, 2024-- It's been a flurry of STEM success for one High School South sophomore and a dynamic duo from High School North.

Let's start with Jazmin Garista, the HSS authentic science research (ASR) student who, Nov. 9, participated in the Perry Outreach Program at Columbia University. The Perry Initiative partners with medical centers, universities, and high schools to host outreach programs for high school students whose applications were selected. These day-long programs are held at more 45 locations nationwide throughout the year.

Participants perform mock orthopedic surgeries, conduct biomechanical engineering experiments, and hear from prominent women engineers and surgeons in the field. During the Perry Outreach Program, Jazmin participated in several hands-on activities such as suturing, fracture plating, knee ligaments, casting (left), IM nail procedure, and ex-fix procedure.

Additionally, Jazmin engaged with professionals where she learned about their career paths and asked questions. These activities enhanced her technical skills and solidified her passion for pursuing a career in the medical field.

And Jazmin isn't the only one making a name for herself in the world of STEM.

High School North ASR students Saniya Williams (senior) and Genesis DaSilva (junior) are two of only 111 students in New Jersey chosen as Governor's STEM Scholars.

The Governor's STEM Scholars program brings together New Jersey's high-achieving STEM students from grades 10 through doctoral level to connect with STEM professionals and experts, learn about higher education and career pathways in STEM, participate in a STEM research/engineering design project, and acquire important professional development skills. Admission to the program was highly-selective, with only a 15-percent acceptance rate.

Congratulations to these three young women on their extraordinary accomplishments in STEM, and their bright futures as science scholars!