If Part 1 of this series was about the grind of getting to ISEF, Part 2 is about what happens once you’re finally there. No matter how many science fairs you’ve been to before, nothing really prepares you for the scale, the energy, and the sheer whirlwind of an ISEF week. From the moment you arrive to the last applause at the awards ceremony, the experience is equal parts overwhelming, exhausting, and exhilarating. I’ll take you behind the scenes of what a week at the world’s

When people see the photos from ISEF—the massive expo hall, students in blazers standing by huge boards, judges with clipboards—it feels like the Olympics of science fairs. And honestly, it kind of is. But those photos skip the most important part: the months of choosing a topic, wrestling with time, fixing broken code, re-formatting posters, and managing the “am I even good enough?” thoughts that sneak in. This is the part you don’t see. And it’s the part that gets you to IS

Competition day isn’t just the finish line — it’s the stage where months of work meet real-world testing. It’s your chance to not only present your project but to grow as a communicator, a problem-solver, and a member of the scientific community. How you approach the day — from setting up your board to handling unexpected challenges — will determine not just how judges see you, but how much you   get out of the experience. In this guide, I'll cover how to perform under pressu

If your science fair journey were a novel, this is the rising action — the part where your story gains momentum and the stakes get higher. You’ve chosen a topic, designed your plan, and collected data (or are in the process of doing so). Now comes the challenge: shaping all that raw work into something judges instantly recognize as exceptional . In this stage, the biggest difference between an average project and a standout one often comes down to preparation strategy, clari

Choosing the right project topic is arguably the most important  decision you’ll make in your science fair journey. Your idea will determine not only your level of motivation, but also how much impact your project can have in the eyes of judges, potential mentors, and future opportunities. A great topic can carry you through months of hard work with excitement — a poor fit can make the process feel like a chore. In this guide, I'll break down how to select a topic that’s uni

Science fairs are more than just a few trifold boards set up in a school gym — they are powerful, life-changing experiences that can shape your academic trajectory, professional network, and even your sense of personal identity as a researcher or innovator. Whether you’re in middle school, high school, or already dabbling in college-level work, understanding what   science fairs really are and why   they matter will help you approach them strategically and maximize their bene

Me Presenting at AJAS Poster Session After months of preparation, an intense few days of scientific immersion, and a 4.5-hour drive back home, I finally had the chance to sit down and process everything. AJAS wasn’t just another research event.  It wasn’t like ISEF, where you’re in competition mode, nor was it like a school science fair where people glance at your poster and move on. AJAS felt like stepping into the scientific world—not as a student, but as a researcher.  For

After months of anticipation and preparation, the American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) 2025 conference  had officially begun. This wasn’t just another science fair—this was an event that brought together 162 of the top high school researchers   from across the country, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the professional world of science. For four days, we attended AAAS sessions, toured some of the top research institutions in Boston (MIT, Harvard, Northeastern, BU, and

For high school students passionate about scientific research, the American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS)  offers one of the most prestigious opportunities to present their work and connect with top researchers, professionals, and like-minded peers. Every year, selected high school students from across the United States gather for the AJAS annual conference , held in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)  meeting—the world’s large

HackFRee 2025 Leadership Team (Source: FRHSD Media) As HackFRee 2025 wrapped up, it was clear that the event had a huge impact on both the participants and the organizing team. There were moments of brilliance, incredible projects, and lessons learned along the way. In this post, I’ll reflect on the event’s successes, share some feedback from participants, discuss areas for improvement, and offer advice for anyone looking to organize a hackathon in the future. Event Successes

Opening Ceremony (Source: Edmund Lee, Manalapan High School) After all the planning and preparation, the big day finally arrived: HackFRee 2025  was ready to go! From the early morning meet-and-greet with the 501st Legion   to the late-night judging and celebrations, the event was packed with energy, learning, and plenty of fun moments. In this post, I’ll walk you through the event structure, how participants engaged with the activities, and my personal role in making everyth

Past HackFRee Opening Ceremony Hackathons are intense , fast-paced events that bring together people to solve problems and showcase their creativity. Organizing one is no easy feat. As part of the leadership team for HackFRee 2025 , I had the opportunity to help plan, organize, and execute one. In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of how we made HackFRee 2025 a reality, focusing on the planning and organization process , my role , and the challenges we had to overc