High schoolers investigate programmable plants

When high school student Jophy Lin pictured the work of an engineer, she never imagined it involved agriculture.

But after an intensive week in July at Cornell's CURIE Academy, she gained first-hand experience into the myriad ways engineering is tackling the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability.

"From this program, I am truly passionate and amazed at the boundless potential of engineering and its impact," said Lin, of New Jersey. "CURIE is a transformative experience that truly inspired me and exposed me to the fields of engineering."

Lin was one of 45 high school students from across the country to take part in the 2024 CURIE Academy, a Cornell Engineering program for high school students interested in pursuing undergraduate studies in engineering. Co-sponsored by the Cornell Engineering Office of Inclusive Excellence and the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS), CURIE - a branch of the Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program - is a one-week residential program that provides rising high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in hands-on workshops while getting an introduction to college life.

"One of the goals of CURIE is to demystify the intricate world of engineering. But it's more than just that. This week is also learning about yourself," said Dora Penavić, program coordinator for diversity programs in Cornell Engineering.

This year's program, which took place July 14-20, focused on exploring the science and technology of programmable plant systems. Students participated in workshops run by Cornell faculty and graduate students with mentors representing disciplines spanning engineering, biotechnology, plant biology, computer science and communication. Topics ranged from how to use DNA to manipulate protein production in yeast to building sensors to track the moisture content of soils at the Cornell Orchards.

"These students are not just learning about cutting-edge plant biotechnology, but they're actively imagining and designing the future of agriculture," said Sijin Li, assistant professor in the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, who served as co-faculty adviser, with CROPPS Director Abe Stroock, for the 2024 CURIE Academy.

"Their ideas about programmable plants show a deep understanding of both the technology and its potential impact on global challenges," Li said.

CROPPS, a National Science Foundation-funded Science and Technology Center based at Cornell, brings together researchers from across campus alongside partner researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute, the University of Arizona, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Tuskegee University.

The CROPPS engagement with CURIE connects high school students with the possibilities embedded in a collaborative science program, according to Strook, the Gordon L. Dibble '50 Professor in the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

CURIE's collaborative learning environment was eye-opening, said Mariama Barry, a high school student from New York City.

"It has provided a new way of thinking and allowed me to learn about myself and be fully confident in pursuing chemical engineering in college," Barry said.

One workshop during the week challenged students to build soil moisture sensors using inexpensive and widely available parts.

"CURIE Academy is about filling the knowledge gap, helping students know which way to go and seeing how research works," said Anand Mishra, a postdoctoral associate in the ​​Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and CROPPS trainee who co-led the workshop. "By working with CROPPS, these students can see the world of agriculture and robotics and how they are connected and can benefit society."

The training sessions also help students develop self-confidence.

"Coming from a small town, I have never met so many women who are so passionate about engineering," said Fiona Jiang, a high school student from Utah. "For the first time in my life, I am filled by so much hope and inspiration about the world and what I can achieve."

The Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program is supported by alumni donors Han-Yan Lo '98, Elaine Tam '98, Harvey Willensky '71 & Margie Willensky, Robert L. Ryan '68 and other Cornell Engineering alumni.

Anya Gruber is public engagement specialist for the Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS).

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