Stuttgart High School Hosts Research Symposium
STUTTGART, Germany – Stuttgart High School recently hosted a hybrid DoWEA Student Research Symposium (DSRS). The Symposium provided the opportunity for students throughout DoWEA Europe to present their research to peers, members of the educational community, and expert advisor judges from around the world. Though the majority of participants this year were AP Research students throughout Europe, DSRS is open to all students interested in conducting authentic, scholarly, STEM-based research.
When the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) Nationals was canceled only a matter of months before its scheduled onset, Mr. Daniel Coapstick, AP Research teacher at Stuttgart High School and newly minted JSHS Europe Regional Director, spearheaded a seemingly impossible switch from an in-person event to a virtual event. Mr. Coapstick turned the obstacle into an opportunity. Historically, only the top research students are invited to participate in DSRS Nationals. This year, a tremendous effort was made to increase the number of student participants, giving all research students the opportunity to be part of something greater. Through the incorporation of various DoWEA technology platforms, Mr. Coapstick successfully connected a global audience.
To encourage participation and empower students, a new Virtual Workshop was created to facilitate student needs and offer valuable feedback a month prior to the actual Symposium. Twenty-five expert advisors assisted over 125 students with their research projects. Providing virtual meetings enabled the students to hear from various experts from around the world. Most of these experts were DoWEA graduates who have attended prestigious universities and/or work for such organizations as NASA, Blue Origins, or conduct research in their professional careers.
During the Symposium, Stuttgart High School opened the event to developing researchers. Students from Ms. Kathleen Boylan and Ms. Nicole Sinnott’s AVID, Honors ELA and AP Seminar classes attended multiple sessions. Students were inspired through hearing presentations, taking Cornell notes, and asking the presenters questions. According to Ms. Boylan, “For AP Seminar students, the experience made the transition to AP Research feel tangible as they witnessed college-level research on topics ranging from astrophysics and biodynamic gardens to CGI vs. practical effects in film. Students gained a clearer vision of their academic pathway and the skills needed for future success, making the experience both motivating and informative.”
The following presenters were honored for their research:
- 1st Place Oral Presentation - Isaac Mason - Wiesbaden High School
- 2nd Place Oral Presentation - Colfax McKown - Sigonella High School
- 3rd Place Oral Presentation - Elijah Quintanilla - Sigonella High School
- 4th Place Oral Presentation - Azzan Alexander - Spangdahlem HS
- 5th Place Oral Presentation - Taylor Trout - Stuttgart High School
- 1st Place Poster Presentation - Terra Love - Sigonella High School
- 2nd Place Poster Presentation - Benjamin Gregory Maranon - AFNorth International School
- 3rd Place Poster Presentation - Max Kinney - Sigonella High School
- 4th Place Poster Presentation - Alexis Lauer - Spangdahlem High School
Mr. Coapstick would like to thank the Stuttgart High School administration and staff for their ongoing support of the program and their commitment to connect with the students about their research projects. Mr. Coapstick also appreciates the DoWEA Instructional Systems Specialists for their support in judging the poster presentations.
Next year, the Symposium will be held in-person once again, this time aiming to host more students than ever before, with 200+ research submissions expected.
