On Wednesday, February 26, four members of the very active Delbarton Research in Science Club (RISC)attended the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) at Rutgers University. Delbarton students attending the 2025 JSHS included Michael Xu ‘26, Eric Feng ‘28, Kevin Jin ‘25 and Makayo Cheung ‘28.

Kevin Jin ’25 offered an oral presentation of his research Unlocking Neuroprotection: How Chebulinic Acid Targets Protein Biomarkers and Lipid Imbalance in Alzheimer’s Disease and was recognized as the second-ranked oral presenter overall.  Kevin received a $1,500 prize and an all-expenses-paid invitation to participate in the National JSHS in Virginia from April 22 through April 26, 2025. He will compete at Nationals for up to $12,000 in scholarship awards. This likely is the first time a Delbarton student has advanced to the National JSHS. Congratulations, Kevin!

Michael Xu ’26, on left below with Kevin, won recognition from the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics for his outstanding research paper Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Perpetual Solar Flight to Cheaply Position Radio Antennas submitted to the JSHS. For his winning submission, Michael received a $250 cash prize.

Research in Science Club moderator Brian Theroux reports that the JSHS Program is jointly sponsored by the United States Office of the Secretary of Defense and the United States Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, in cooperation with leading research universities throughout the nation.

The Department of Defense provides funding for the National Symposium and JSHS scholarships. The JSHS Program promotes original research and experimentation in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics at the high school level and publicly recognizes students for outstanding achievement. By connecting talented students, their teachers, and research professionals at affiliated symposia and by rewarding research excellence, JSHS widens the pool of trained talent prepared to conduct research and development vital to our nation.

The Delbarton Research in Science Club continues to encourage and mentor our students to pursue high level independent research during their middle school and high school years. The Delbarton community salutes Kevin and Michael on their remarkable achievements, and we commend all RISC members who continue to push the boundaries of science by developing independent research projects and papers. Go Wave STEM!

(Photos: Brian Theroux)