From April 25 to 27, Taipei American School (TAS) research students traveled to Japan to participate in the Kobe University Research Students for Young Scientists symposium. As this was TAS’s second year attending, the trip was open to any student with an individual research project, unlike last year when only 12th grade nanotech students were eligible to participate. 

Selected students endured a rigorous process to be chosen as one of the nine representatives of TAS. The students first had to be enrolled in a research class of any science discipline. This ensured that there was a diverse set of skills, with the team ultimately being composed of three biology, two physics and four chemistry students. After applying, they then had to present a poster of their investigation to the research teachers, who then gave feedback about said presentation.

After getting chosen, the nine students had to go through weeks of revising their posters. From working with Japanese-speaking TAS students to translate their work to meeting with new research teachers to receive feedback from a fresh pair of eyes, the students wanted their best selves and work ready to bring to Japan. 

Upon arriving at Kobe University, the school’s professors and graduate students led a guided tour around their research center and labs. As a top university in Japan with a combined number of around 1,000 graduate and undergraduate students in its science department, the science facilities were sure to inspire and impress young high school students attending the symposium. 

On the 26th, the symposium began. Seven of the TAS research students partook in the poster sessions, during which they stood next to and introduced their posters, all while fielding questions from Japanese high school and graduate students as well as university professors.

“I was anxious because I had to give a speech in front of a lot of notable professors, but I think it really helped me grow as a learner and as a researcher,” said Tristin W. (‘27), one of the poster presenters, said. Despite the nerves, Tristin left the conference recognized by Kobe University professors as having the most outstanding poster from TAS. 

Thereafter, the remaining two students, Hamilton K. (‘25) and Katie L. (‘26), gave an oral presentation of their research to a larger audience.

As a Research in Chemistry teacher, Mr. Alex Dezieck, was a major proponent in organizing the trip for the past two years. He explained, “[students have the opportunity] to get input from people more interested in the scientific aspect and development of their projects rather than necessarily the educational focus that we have at TAS.”

Despite the heavy scientific work during the day, the group was sure to also dedicate some time to leisure and touring. They visited Dotonbori Night Market in Osaka, which is known for its tasty street food and iconic Glico running man sign. Another highlight of the trip was also enjoying some quality Kobe beef barbecue.

Overall, the trip was a huge success in helping students at TAS deepen their knowledge of the scientific research process, gaining feedback from experts and how to present to an international audience. 

“I was impressed by their preparedness and composure with which they handled the symposium,” said Mr. Dezieck. “Their energy and interest in the event was also really encouraging and simply by participating in this they are in rare company among high schoolers; not many kids get the chance to take part in something like this!”