Projects by year
STEAM
Modeling and Comparing the Effectiveness of Combinations of Solutions to Renewable-Caused Instability
By Patrick X.
Electricity production is the single largest source of global carbon emissions, making the transition from dirty energy sources, such as coal and natural gas, an essential step in averting the worst consequences of climate change. However, renewables such as wind and solar power, currently the most promising sources of clean energy, destabilize the grid, making it harder for grid operators to... Read More
Social Science
How Feelings Towards Math Change Among High School Students and Teachers by Math Course
By Kylie T.
Math anxiety is a well-documented phenomenon. This lack of confidence in math can have far-reaching consequences, following people throughout their lives. This project examines how feelings towards math change throughout one’s math career, specifically how teachers’ and students’ attitudes morph over time. People will share their experiences through a focus group to identify themes and address... Read More
Social Science
Comprehensive Health Education for Students in Grades K-5
By Caitlin G. and Anika T.
“Am I normal?” was the question most students asked a local puberty educator. Health and puberty education is critical, especially starting at a young age. Teaching these topics informs children of many subjects: the understanding that bodies are different, disabilities, anatomy, sexual orientation, gender identity, consent, safety, and more. These topics teach students to respect and care for... Read More
Social Science
The Impact and Benefits of Implementing an Anti-Bias Lending Library
By Alden B.
Anti-bias children's books are crucial in teaching children about diversity, social identity, and the relationships between different groups of people. They are interactive and allow children to think about these topics in new ways, which makes them developmentally appropriate. However, many preschools still do not include anti-bias books in their curriculum due to a lack of awareness or the... Read More
Social Science
Examining the Prevalence and Impact of Body Dysmorphia in Teenage Males and Females: A Comparative Analysis
By Ry E.
How many people are affected by body dysmorphia in high school, and what are these effects? Recently, the problem with body image and body dysmorphia among teenage males has been rapidly increasing and is significantly overlooked. Despite the belief that issues with body image only occur in females, body dysmorphia can affect males just as much, if not more. This problem has negatively... Read More
Social Science
Voting Education for High School Students
By Elizabeth J.
The Bay Area has some of the highest voter registration rates in the state. However, there is a severe voter turnout deficit from registered voters, especially among young people—the lack of motivation, education, and awareness results in minimal civic engagement. The absence of school-instated education about voting has failed democracy during a time when it is desperately needed. Fortunately... Read More
Social Science
Examining the Impact of Racial Bias on Police Use of Force
By William F.
In recent years there have been numerous widely publicized cases of bias policing, and the negative consequences are available for public consumption. This project examines left-leaning counties in the Bay Area to see if a similar bias and pattern of policing is prevalent. Data will be collected by interviewing experts to gain the perspective of police officers to learn the measures they are... Read More
Humanities
Effects of Misrepresented Female Characters in Video Games on Youth
By Marissa T.
The age has dawned upon us in which many youths spend their free time playing video games. However, many video games lack in-depth female character development and actively categorize them into stereotypes, such as a damsel-in-distress or sexual object. This research project will rely on previous studies on the harmful effects of such characterization on youth, including desensitization and... Read More
Social Science
How can the overexploitation of fisheries and financial inequality be minimized in the South China Sea?
By Caroline M.
"South China Sea Fisheries are estimated to generate $100 billion a year, supporting around 3.7 million people" (RFA). It is undeniable that South China dominates the fishing industry worldwide. Still, the specific strategies to fish incredible amounts are often overlooked and significantly affect coastal communities. With the economy and populations' reliance on fish for food and
... Read More
Social Science
Personalized and Accessible College Counseling for First-Generation Students
By Angelina R., Danny C., and Lise D.
Despite efforts to make the path to college more equitable, many disparities within this system persist. Unlike students who are not first-generation, students with parents/guardians who are unfamiliar with the college process must navigate outside resources that will often not cater to their specific needs. Consequently, the college application process becomes disproportionately burdensome... Read More
Humanities
What art was created by women artists during Europe's Renaissance between 1400-1600, and why is their work overlooked today?
By Juliet Y.
Imagine that you are a female artist during the Renaissance. You paint spectacular, intricate, and realistic paintings that show the mastery of your craft. But wait, does any of it even matter? You realize that as a woman, your work will consistently be undermined. Your profession will be simplified to a mere hobby while other male artists are praised and uplifted. During the Renaissance, many... Read More
Social Science
Closing the Orgasm Gap: Unraveling Societal Influences and Enhancing Sexual Education
By Jules I.
The orgasm gap, which refers to the disparity in orgasm frequency between genders, has been a subject of concern and discussion. Commonly, this gap is attributed to issues within women's bodies, perpetuating misconceptions about female pleasure. However, comprehensive research suggests that the source of the orgasm gap is multifaceted and deeply rooted in societal factors rather than... Read More
Social Science
Animal Education: Connecting Veterinarians with Students
By Kristy R.
There is a shortage of veterinarians in the United States, resulting in many pet owners needing help to provide adequate care for their pets. In addition, many children need a basic understanding of pets and how to interact with animals. This research project aims to connect children with animals to help promote careers in veterinary medicine while providing children the opportunity to learn... Read More
Social Science
How does access to sports affect juvenile delinquency?
By Charlie M.
According to a study by the RAND corporation on the sports participation gap, “Students who reported spending no time in after-school extracurricular activities were 57% more likely to drop out of high school, 49% more likely to use drugs and 27% more likely to have been arrested”(Whitaker). Statistics such as these suggest that extracurricular participation, such as athletics, could... Read More
STEAM
Efficacy of gene editing without immunosuppressants as a treatment for type 1 diabetes
By Lucy G.
Type 1 diabetes affects nearly 1.45 million Americans, most of whom have to use insulin therapy as a treatment, which is inefficient and can lead to diabetic complications. This project investigates the efficacy of gene editing without immunosuppression as a treatment for type 1 diabetes.
Comparative research will review previous examinations and scientific studies of treatments for... Read More
Social Science
Improving Mental Health for Youth Through Collaborative Art and Community Building
By Nishi G.
The trajectory of youth well-being is cause for concern. Now, more than ever, we must work towards building a sense of community before youth mental health deteriorates even more. This research project will address the lack of mental health recognition in high school and middle school students through art. A collaborative of students from a local high school and middle school will develop a... Read More
Humanities
Examining the Impact of Gendered Language on Workplace Roles and the Gender Pay Gap
By Evie K.
The persistent pay gap between men and women remains a significant issue, with predictions by UN Women that true pay equity will not be achieved until 2069. This disparity is a result of the underrepresentation of women in higher-paying, higher-profile positions and a reflection of societal values and the pervasive use of gendered language. The latter, defined as language that exhibits bias... Read More
Social Science
What barriers do women in law enforcement face, and what are the most effective ways to combat them within the existing institutional structures?
By Anna W.
Despite the uphill climb of female representation in law enforcement, women only make up 13.3 percent of the force. Law enforcement is vital as it collectively deals with people of all races, genders, and ages. Its staff should reflect the demographic it serves to work towards unbiased law enforcement. Unfortunately, discrimination and barriers for women in law enforcement remain prevalent.... Read More
Social Science
How can human trafficking deterrents be successful in Southeast Asia?
By Kaila C.
Human trafficking is one of the world's most significant problems, impacting between 700,000 and 2 million women annually (Gurung and Kachchhap, 2016). This type of trafficking is most pervasive in Southeast Asia and causes psychological and physical damage, such as depression and anxiety. There is insufficient evidence showing how effective the current solutions in place to prevent human... Read More
Social Science
Social Media: Implications for Adolescent Emotional Well-Being
By Ashley M.
The emergence of new platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and BeReal has fueled social media's recent gain in widespread popularity among adolescents. This proliferation of social media has sparked a debate about its potential impact on the mental health of teenagers. A study that assesses the feasibility of Bay Area teenagers adhering to regular breaks from social media could provide... Read More
Social Science
The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on High School Students' Academic Success and Well-Being: Remedies and Support Strategies
By Max C.
The coronavirus pandemic is presumably the most significant event in the last five years that impacted the world—affecting education, communication, socioeconomics, and healthcare. Though the pandemic has had lasting impacts that are apparent everywhere, one of the most significant effects was on education. Students suffered greatly from online learning, and along with all the other problems... Read More
STEAM
What impacts does climate change impact children's cognitive development, physical and emotional well-being, and behavior?
By Katherine S.
The healthy development of children is crucial to any society's well-being. Extreme weather events may disrupt children's education by damaging schools and making it difficult for them to attend classes regularly. These events can also lead to food and water shortages, affecting children's physical health, cognitive development, and emotional well-being. Many studies have examined climate... Read More
Social Science
Development of the Chinese University System From the 1990s to Present
By Bryan X.
Since the mid-1990s, when the Chinese government released policies encouraging the growth and development of Chinese higher education institutions to drive economic growth and to better prepare students for the workforce, the university system has seen unprecedented growth. The percentage of all university-age students attending universities in China has risen from below 5 percent to almost 50... Read More
Social Science
Reducing Clothing Waste in Palo Alto: The Environmental Impact of the Fashion Industry and Possible Solutions.
By Adam S.
Climate change is an intense battle, and humanity needs to do everything possible to survive. Clothing waste is one of the most significant contributors driving the rise of climate change. If clothing waste does not decline, climate change will become irrevocable. This research project will be action based by developing an upcycling program to support environmental conservation. Surveys will... Read More
Humanities
Artistic Expression: What value does art have in social justice movements?
By Rebecca H.
Contemporary society faces many complex and interconnected challenges that appear to defy resolution. Despite ongoing debates regarding strategies for achieving social justice, including the efficacy of bureaucratic versus protest measures and the relative merits of donating versus taking action, progress remains slow, particularly in addressing pressing issues such as police brutality and... Read More
Social Science
Conquering the Student Gap in Computer Science
By Alina L.
Although located in the heart of Silicon Valley, very few females enroll in high school computer science. Specifically, one high school reports an average of 20% of female students enrolling in computer science classes. This number is incredibly low and causes a problem as computer science is arguably an essential skill in the growing age of technology. This project will focus on influencing... Read More
STEAM
Correlation between success in high school math and future careers
By Brandon Y.
As new technologies continue to develop, the importance of STEM education continues to grow. Math is the foundational subject in STEM and is now becoming one of the most important subjects for students pursuing a career in STEM fields. Research is underway to understand the relationship between high school math achievements and future professions. This research project aims to broaden the age... Read More
STEAM
A Study on the Effectiveness of Different Conservation Strategies on the Leopard Shark Population
By Nicholas I.
Since the 1970s, the sharp increase in fishing pressure on the shark populations of California has been the subject of much concern. For leopard sharks, one of the most common sharks in San Francisco Bay, protective measures might’ve been too little too late, as the species is vulnerable to outside pressures. In the three years between 1980 and 1983, reported commercial landings of leopard... Read More
STEAM
Finding Changes in the Tonic of Indian Classical Music
By Samhita K.
When singing from sheet music, how does the individual know where to start the base note? Indian classical music’s answer to this question is shruti or tonic. A performer selects a tonic (base pitch) based on their vocal range, and that tonic is used throughout their performance. In order to create automated systems which can understand Indian classical music, information about tonic is vital... Read More
STEAM
Impact of Ai Algorithms and Machine Learning On Social Media Platforms
By Pranav C.
The interaction between people and social media through machine learning and AI algorithms poses a challenge. Despite the widespread coverage of news articles and events influenced by social media, a continuous echo chamber grows due to machine learning algorithms developed by some of the most prominent corporations globally. These algorithms are utilized to exhibit user-generated content... Read More
Social Science
Improving Math Literacy in Young Fives: An Evaluation of Take-Home Math Bags
By Katie D.
This research project investigates the underutilization of math education in preschool classrooms, where a disproportionate emphasis on literacy skills often takes precedence. Even though early math proficiency is a stronger predictor of academic success when compared to early reading skills, many children fall behind in academic success due to inadequate math resources, pedagogy, and... Read More
STEAM
Overcoming Challenges to Installing Energy-Efficient Technologies in Low-Income Residential Buildings for Cost Savings and Carbon Reduction
By Samantha L.
Climate change forces society to increase energy efficiency and stop burning fossil fuels. Buildings cause 36% of global energy use annually, and low-income residential buildings are particularly source due to older, more inefficient technology. Many technologies exist to solve this problem, such as air-to-water heat pumps and thermostat schedules. Furthermore, public and private sector... Read More
Social Science
Food Waste in Bay Area High School
By Kai M.
The inquiry approach for this project will measure research and study how food waste can effectively combat hunger in a Bay Area community, especially among sub-minimum wage or unemployed citizens. The research will address this problem by tracking the average amount of food by pounds in the bins outside a high school cafeteria for two weeks. Quantitative data sampling methods include tracking... Read More
STEAM
Current Approaches at Minimizing the Consequences of Prenatal Exposure to Opioids in the AI/AN Populations of California
By Michelle L. and Emily Z.
The opioid epidemic is a major public-health concern that has taken a toll on 564,000 lives. Of the large population of adults who are becoming more reliant on these addictive drugs, it is important to also examine the effects that the opioid epidemic has had on the prenatal population. As a result, there is also a large population of infants who are born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS... Read More
Social Science
Rape Culture in Academic Environments and the Efficacy of Title IX Supports
By Georgina C.
Rape culture is an environment in which sexual violence is normalized and prominent, continuing to be a detrimental issue. Rape culture has become extremely common in academic settings and will continue as institutions fail to educate and support students on this issue. Subpar support has been a pervasive issue in schools as survivors of sexual misconduct have been blamed by peers and faculty... Read More
Social Science
Unmasking the hidden ADHD in girls: how narrative curriculum can increase teachers’ awareness on the underdiagnosis of ADHD in girls
By Paloma R.
ADHD is not a sex-specific disorder—however, American females are 31% less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than American males (Hobbes, 2019). The underdiagnosis of ADHD stems from the common misconception that everybody with ADHD displays easily-noticeable, hyperactive symptoms. These stereotypical, externalized symptoms are more common in males, but females with less overt internalized... Read More
Humanities
The Effects of Media Representation on Wage and Athletic Success
By Cameron T.
Despite the passing of Title IX, gender inequality in sports continues. This inequity is evident in media representation and the pay gap between male and female athletes. The pay gap occurs due to systematic boundaries. For example, the current NBA minimum salary equals the $1.4 million salary cap for a WNBA team (Nhi Nguyen, 2022). Female athletes are often misrepresented and objectified on... Read More
Social Science
What characteristics of a Californian employment reentry program are the most effective in reducing recidivism?
By Ahshima S.
The American prison system currently has work-based programs to assist prisoners in reform and reintegrating into society. However, once released, the formerly incarcerated lack connections to employment opportunities to aid their societal survival. Currently, there is a need for research into work-based programs outside of prison which may help connect the formerly incarcerated to employment... Read More
Social Science
What are the economic and societal effects of alcohol abuse in the workplace?
By Aicha C.
Alcohol is a substance we associate with parties, having fun, vacations, and hanging out with friends. We are often blind-sighted with these activities due to alcohol abuse. Reports of alcohol poisoning are most common in colleges. The media often manipulates the destruction that alcohol can cause. It is easy to underestimate the hazards of alcohol abuse among other controlled substances in... Read More
Social Science
The Mental Health Access Gap in Bay Area Middle Schools
By Julia M.
Mental health crises have increased in youth, causing them to suffer at higher rates. Accessing mental health care is an expensive endeavor that is not affordable for all families, causing many children to rely on their school’s free resources. However, in many cases, students are unaware of these resources or how to utilize them. The way to address this issue is to publicize the schools’... Read More
STEAM
Automated Segmentation and Measurement of Aortic Aneurysms in Computed Tomography Angiography Using Deep Learning
By Adrit R.
Aortic aneurysms (AAs) are localized dilations of the aortic wall, prone to rupture with expansion, an often deadly event (Chaikof et al., 2018). The decision to intervene upon an AA is based primarily upon standardized size criteria and rate of expansion over time as determined radiographically. Early detection and surveillance are essential to timely intervention. This study proposes an end-... Read More
Social Science
Mandatory Positive Coaching Training for Coaches Renting Field Space from Palo Alto to Reduce Toxic Masculinity in Youth Sports
By Isai P.
Mental health stigma, particularly among males, is a significant issue, as societal pressure to suppress emotions can lead to feelings of isolation and hopelessness. One contributing factor to this issue is toxic masculinity, a set of attitudes and behaviors associated with societal expectations of adult males. These expectations can lead to depression, suppressed emotions, and a reluctance to... Read More
Social Science
What opportunities and challenges do students participating in the Voluntary Transfer Program face?
By Oliver M.
This research is about students who participate in the Voluntary Transfer Program (VTP), also known as the Tinsley program, and the effects and outcomes that come from it. VTP involves a lottery process for the admittance of kindergarten students. The research will focus on short- and long-term outcomes and whether they are positive or negative. As for academic outcomes and how they have... Read More
Social Science
Racial Policing: How does racial profiling affect police action taken?
By Rhys F.
The issue of racial profiling and police action has been a persistent problem. The misuse of Tasers and K-9 units has been a common occurrence. Recent research conducted by the National Library of Medicine revealed that out of 32,951 documented emergency department visits due to police dog bites from 2005 to 2013, 42 percent of those bitten were Black. It is crucial to educate law enforcement... Read More
Social Science
Without in-person, in-nature learning (due to the presence of Covid-19), how have environmental education programs adapted to these changes virtually, and are they as effective as they would be in person?
By Molly O.
Every year millions of people interact with environmental education programs by taking specific courses, visiting museums and aquariums, learning in school, or visiting other institutions. COVID-19 safety measures greatly impacted many of these institutions, limiting or completely closing their in-person, physical learning. This research project will investigate how institutions have adapted... Read More
STEAM
What are the advantages and disadvantages of audio post-editing for a translator to learn colloquial expressions, and how does this compare to text post-editing?
By Natalie L.
There is a problem with translation quality in modern translators--items such as idioms, names, and concepts can often be difficult to translate with a machine. The problem will continue to increase as the translation improvement rate trails behind language development. Additionally, translation errors often occur in expressions exclusive to a particular area's culture. As a result, verbatim... Read More
Social Science
Influence of Misinformation in the Media on Riots and Hate Crimes
By Madeleine E.
There is a problem with the rapid spread of false information and the riling up of extremists through the media of Facebook groups and Facebook lives. Despite the benefits of Facebook, the spread of hateful videos is ongoing. This problem has negatively affected those targeted in the videos because of the threats and hate they receive. A possible cause of this problem is the ease of video... Read More
Social Science
Emphasizing the Significance of Bridging Communities and Public Health Equity Through Media
By Dahlia V.
On average, individuals in Oakland will have a life that is 10 years shorter than that of their Berkeley Hills counterparts(Alameda County Public Health Report). Social determinants enabling inequity across the Bay Area have defined the line that establishes whether communities receive the adequate healthcare resources they need. The severity of this contrast between areas of such close... Read More
Social Science
Can a player's union in international soccer help combat corruption within FIFA?
By Asher F.
Qatar hosted the 2022 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup across various billion-dollar stadiums, which only exist because of the labor of migrant workers. These stadiums did not exist when FIFA appointed Qatar to host the world cup, leaving fans wondering how a nation without the necessary infrastructure to host a World Cup won the vote over a nation like the... Read More
Social Science
How will mental training affect the number of strokes per round of professional golfers compared to those who get no training?
By Joshua W.
There is a problem in the counseling many athletes receive in increasing athletic performance. Over the years, many athletes have been constantly taught that training the body and honing their skills is the best and only way to get better. However, many athletes find themselves gaining minimal improvement despite training hard physically. The mental side of sports has barely been researched... Read More
Business
Differences in Indie and Corporate Game Development
By Megan H.
The lack of resources, including staffing and funding, is often a prevalent issue with independent ("indie") game developers compared to corporate game developers. This research project will collect qualitative data from indie and corporate developers via a survey. Appropriate data analysis of collected data will reveal the exact differences between the developers' processes to discover ways... Read More
Social Science
How can we make school settings more inclusive In for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities?
By Lily D.
There is a significant problem with exclusive education and ableist microaggressions in schools. A probable cause of this problem is the lack of integration between students with and without IDD because special education teachers don’t always have time to prioritize it. Students with IDD have IEPs (individualized education plan), which are carried out in separate classrooms so the student can... Read More
Social Science
How does positive representation in children’s picture storybooks affect children in preschool’s internalized biases compared to books that do not represent diversity?
By Hailey O.
There is a problem with content within literature designed for children and younger audiences. During early adolescence, a child develops physically, emotionally, and cognitively, forming the foundations that will shape their life. Children’s picture books are a significant part of every early care program. Most literature only represents a small population, which does not help children... Read More
Social Science
What biases do Asian Americans have on mental health and what can be done to unlearn them so that they can easier access mental health care?
By Yasmin F.
Accessing mental health resources, especially for students and minors, is difficult. In Asian American families, there is a lot of negative stigma and biases regarding mental health in the older generations. These stigmas can often discourage people from this demographic from seeking help and treatment for mental health issues (Nishi, 2012). There are many reasons someone may need access to... Read More
Social Science
How does a lack of empathy affect the patient’s mental and physical health?
By Aareev P.
Unhealthy relationships between patients and healthcare providers may occur when healthcare providers treat patients with inadequate empathy concerning pain tolerance. According to a survey by Forbes, 82% of clinicians believe that empathy is an important skill to exhibit to their patients. This study demonstrates the significance of empathy as essential for patients for various health... Read More
Social Science
Maximizing Engagement: Exploring Tactics for Increasing an Average Person's Participation in Grassroots Climate Organizations
By Evie C.
This research project will investigate the pressing issue of global climate change and the crucial role of a well-informed and invested populace in achieving a sustainable future. However, the current reality in America needs to meet this imperative. Through conducting qualitative research in the form of interviews, the project aims to uncover the driving factors that have propelled... Read More
Social Science
Meal Preparation Post Graduation
By Quinn S.
High schoolers often graduate without gaining a basic knowledge of nutrition and cooking. The Dormroom Diner project aims to create a workbook available to all students leaving high school. The workbook outlines basic kitchen skills and safety, nutrition, and meal planning, as well as a few simple budget-friendly recipes that accommodate multiple dietary restrictions. Along with the workbook,... Read More
STEAM
How can certain visual stimulants provide temporary relief to opiate users going through withdrawal symptoms?
By Kellyn S.
Due to the heightened criminalization of drug use following the war on drugs in the 1970s, incarceration rates for drug use and drug-related deaths peaked. While some forms of treatment are available for drug rehabilitation, these methods remain highly inaccessible for many opiate drug users. This research project examines the possibility of using visual stimulants as an accessible temporary... Read More
Social Science
Inequity in Resources for Cognitive Development: Examining the Bay Area
By Sally L.
There is a dispute over the relative importance of nature and nurture in the development of defining traits; one thing, however, has been consistently shown through research: the environment, or nurture, of a child, plays a significant factor in their development. Educational inequity, at least partly, stems from these environmental differences, especially the accessibility to cognitively... Read More
STEAM
What is the role of music in a teenager’s life, especially in helping them combat stress and improve performance?
By Rhea J.
The current teen mental health crisis has reached the point where teen stress levels reportedly exceed that of adults. Significant research has proven the rehabilitating effect of music on people of various age groups, from enhancing cognitive abilities in babies to helping with mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s and depression in the elderly. However, there is a significant gap in the... Read More
STEAM
How does UV Radiation affect the growth of Basal Cell Carcinoma?
By Dana K.
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer worldwide, with increased severity caused by UV radiation (UVR). UVR is a carcinogen that causes basal cell carcinoma by damaging the DNA inside skin cells, leading to the abnormal function of the DNA repair system and altering the immune system, resulting in progressive genetic alterations and the formation of neoplasm. Abnormal... Read More
Social Science
Effective Mental Health Resources for the Asian Community
By Eunchae H.
The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities are the least likely to access mental health resources compared to any other race. People part of the AAPI community made up only 18.3% of those who accessed the mental health resources readily available (Hu, 2019). Many factors play a role in why people find the need to access mental health resources, and one of these factors is the... Read More
Humanities
How does toxic masculinity affect drug and alcohol abuse for males under the age of 18 compared to females under the age of 18?
By McKenna R.
Nearly one billion males worldwide are affected by substance abuse, twice the number of females affected (Kloos, Weller, Weller, and Chan, 2009). Despite the belief that substance abuse is a problem for the entire population, there is no doubt that there is a gender gap in substance abuse. A factor of this problem comes from the pressures that create toxic masculinity. Boys' influences, such... Read More
Social Science
The BEEP Project (Bus Electrification Environmental Proposal)
By Maya P., Toni M., and Theo W.
Every year, school buses in the U.S. emit more than 5 million tons of carbon dioxide, polluting the environment and pushing toxic gasses into children's lungs. It is imperative to prioritize the electrification of school buses to protect the climate and inspire the rest of the world to follow in our footsteps by setting an example for other districts. The BEEP Project examines the factors that... Read More
STEAM
Do Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) help preserve biodiversity in the Bay Area?
By Ashley S.
Across the globe, human activity's impact on marine ecosystems has been increasingly harmful. Living in the Bay Area means that this impact is more direct, as it is easier for the effects of human civilization to reach marine wildlife. Seabirds are essential indicators of marine ecosystem health; since they typically occupy high trophic levels, such as secondary or tertiary consumers, their... Read More
Social Science
How can we educate employees to use emotional intelligence skills to create a more productive and positive work environment?
By Dylan E.
Emotional intelligence (EQ) in the workplace is beneficial when communicating with colleagues and building positive relationships. Many employees, especially those in leadership roles, find it challenging to connect positively with their reports. A large piece of emotional intelligence is empathy and compassion. This research project will include a case study to identify techniques to build EQ... Read More
STEAM
Alternative Materials for Synthesizing Bioartificial Kidney Tissue
By Shalen A.
The United States annually has over 100,000 people die while waiting for an organ transplant, with kidneys being one of the most commonly transplanted organs. Artificially created kidney organs present a compelling solution to this issue, allowing for a more significant and consistent supply of organs, including the ability to customize each one to ensure the best fit with the patient’s body.... Read More
STEAM
Impact of Mycorrhizae on Terrestrial Carbon Sinks Under Elevated CO2 Levels: How Fungi can Slow Climate Change
By Oscar A.
The increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere due to anthropogenic activities is causing global warming and affecting all life on earth. Climate change is happening faster than species can adapt, and the decline of terrestrial carbon sinks will make the situation worse. Mycorrhizal fungi’s symbiotic relationship with plants is crucial for terrestrial ecosystem functioning and soil organic... Read More
Business
How a Circular-Business Model in the Eyewear Industry Impacts Individuals’ Ability to Lower Their Environmental Footprint
By Brooke T.
Despite most Americans wanting more done to stop climate change, psychological barriers often prevent individuals from taking climate action, leading environmental experts to urge for more systematic climate solutions (Kretz, 2012). Experts have theorized systematic business models; however, more data is required on how customers and businesses feel about implementing these practices and how... Read More
Social Science
Effects of Family-Based Therapy on Siblings of Individuals with Eating Disorders
By Anika J.
Nearly 11 million females and 1 million males have a form of an Eating Disorder in the United States, and those are only the diagnosed cases. Eating disorders are detrimental to a person’s mental and physical health leading to commonly witnessed effects such as severely lowered self-esteem, dehydration, malnutrition, and increased levels of depression and anxiety. Siblings of eating disorder... Read More
Social Science
What strategies could help increase electric bike safety at Bay Area High Schools?
By Owen K. and Phela D.
With increased electric bike usage, riders must consider safety with the increased risk factors associated with riding bikes capable of higher speeds and less handling capability. Riders need to take proper safety precautions to avoid crashes resulting in injury. One study estimates that “29% of e-bikers had experienced a safety incident that would not have happened on a conventional bike” (... Read More
STEAM
Assessing the Efficacy of Novel Algorithms in Identifying Mental Health Outcomes among Young Adults in the United States
By Avi V.
Despite the increase in accessibility of efforts to improve individuals’ well-being, mental health has become an increasingly problematic issue in the United States. Notably, following the COVID-19 pandemic, a large proportion of high school students have reported frequently experiencing feelings of sadness and hopelessness, in line with the deterioration of mental health, every few weeks. The... Read More
Social Science
The Impacts of Food Insecurity Among Bay Area Students During COVID-19
By Haley W.
Nutritious and balanced meals for students can provide outstanding benefits to young students and overall create a healthier learning environment and lifestyle. Creating healthy habits at a young age while in elementary school can help provide students with a foundation to build on as they grow. Children need proper nutrients and fuel as a component of an active brain at its fullest potential... Read More
Social Science
Support for Survivors
By Annabel H. and Sophia T.
Sexual assault increases the risk of developing mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, eating disorders, and more. According to the medical journal the Lancet, four to five months after being sexually assaulted, 79% of adolescents had a psychiatric disorder, and 43% had a depressive disorder (Khadr et al.). High school students suffer from various mental health issues due to stress and... Read More
Humanities
Building Relationships Between High School English Learning Students and English-Speaking Students
By Elizabeth G. and Parker V.
Many people migrate to the Bay Area for a better future, education, and opportunities. When faced with a drastic change in their community, it is hard for many of them to find a community they can connect. This void causes many students new to the U.S. to feel isolated and alone, further affecting their ability to make new connections with peers and adjust to the new curriculum. Although... Read More
Social Science
Improving Student Well-being: Implementing On-Campus interventions in Bay Area High Schools
By Halina N.
In 2021 44% of high school students in the United States reported feelings of persistent sadness or hopelessness in the past year; that percentage then grew by 40% between 2009 and 2019(CDC). Students experiencing poor emotional and mental well-being are more likely to have decreased intrinsic motivation and hindered academic achievement, experience more disciplinary infractions, develop a... Read More
STEAM
Cell Migration Patterns in Glioblastoma Tumors Using CRISPR Technology
By Elliot G.
People are often remiss that the lack of medical research remains a critical problem until it personally impacts them with drastic consequences, such as severe illness with the potential consequence of death. CRISPR/Cas-9 technology is a recent revolutionary discovery in the science of gene modification. This research project studies the progress made in developing CRISPR systems to study... Read More
STEAM
The Impact of AI on Sports Recruiting
By Hanu T.
The potential for excellence in sports remains vastly untapped due to several factors, including the limitations of current recruitment methods. Many talented individuals, who may be overlooked or undervalued due to circumstances beyond their control, are hindered from reaching their full potential. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the sports industry by... Read More
Humanities
What variables in the score of a film potentially impact viewer motivation?
By Stella M.
Movies can create impactful and emotional experiences for viewers, many associated with social change. Actors and directors are often at the forefront of the movie industry and movie experiences. What lies behind the scenes are the score producers. The score, or the music, brings motion pictures to life, adding depth and detail. Various score techniques create different environments and... Read More