By now, you’ve built a foundation: you understand what research really is (Part 1), and you’ve chosen and narrowed down your topic into something specific and manageable (Part 2). The next step is where most projects either build momentum or stall: finding background information and resources. This stage is about grounding your curiosity in what’s already known. Before you design an experiment, create a survey, or analyze data, you need to know what research has already been

In Part 1 of this series, we talked about what research really   means — not just Googling sources or writing a school report, but the process of asking questions, seeking answers, and creating knowledge that hasn’t existed before. That’s a big mindset shift, and once you start thinking this way, the natural next question is: Where do I even start? The first step is choosing a research topic. And while that sounds simple, this is actually one of the hardest parts of the entir

When you hear the word research , what comes to mind? For many high schoolers, it’s stacks of scientific papers, lab coats, or maybe just that dreaded “research paper” assigned in English class. But real research, whether in STEM, the humanities, or social sciences, is much more than just Googling sources or writing citations. It’s about curiosity, persistence, and the structured process of turning a question into new knowledge. This first part of the series is about rethinki

“Simply to endure is to triumph.” - Sold Summary and Background Book Cover (Source: Amazon) Patricia McCormick's Sold is a sad but very realistic book narrated by Lakshmi, a thirteen-year-old Nepali country girl. Her existence is that of poverty , but also of routine and familiarity . She cares for goats, works on her family's little patch of land, and hopes to have a tin roof someday so the rain no longer seeps through the thatch. Lakshmi’s world, though simple, is colored

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

Introducing "When Life Gives You Tangerines" Poster for the show (Source: Netflix) When Life Gives You Tangerines is a 2025 South Korean romantic slice-of-life drama that takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster ride spanning over 70 years . Directed by Kim Won-suk and written by Lim Sang-choon, the 16-episode drama (divided into four seasonal volumes on Netflix) stars Lee Ji-eun (IU) and Park Bo-gum as the young Yang Gwan-sik and Oh Ae-sun, and Moon So-ri and Park Hae-

This internship taught me that cybersecurity is as much about strategy, adaptability, and communication as it is about technical skills. I learned how to work in ambiguous, high-expectation environments, built relationships that led directly to new opportunities like JerseyCTF challenge development, and left with a practical framework for problem-solving. Below, I break down the biggest impacts on my skills, the lessons I’ll carry forward, and how future interns can get the m