TYWLS Explores Earth Science During Summer Research Program

What are the nutrient levels of the Hudson River? How does water flow through NYC parks? Why does lead contamination and air pollution vary throughout the city?

These were just a few of the research questions that 19 TYWLS East Harlem and Queens students tackled this summer during the Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP) at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (SSFRP). 

SSFRP was co-founded by former TYWLS East Harlem teacher, Susan Vincent, who also serves as the program’s director and remains committed to providing STEM learning experiences for students. With an aim to promote diversity in life sciences, SSFRP is a six-week summer program that offers students from high-need schools in NYC an opportunity to conduct hands-on research projects at the center’s location at Piermont Marsh on the Hudson River. 

Tasked with exploring a specific research question, participants are assigned to teams comprised of high school students and college students who serve as team leads. This summer, six TYWLS alumnae–currently attending SUNY Albany, Gettysburg College, Hunter College, and Colgate University–returned to SSFRP as team leads! SSFRP also provides high school science teachers with professional development experience and the chance to act as mentors to the young researchers. This year, three of the teachers included two current TYWLS teachers, and one alumna who participated in SSFRP in high school and as a college student! 

It’s clear that the program fosters a true sense of belonging, community, and love for earth science–and we appreciate the valuable experience it provides for our students, alumni, and network leaders. Click through the slideshow below and see the teams conducting research in the field!