Reviewers needed for Monmouth Junior Science Symposium

December 17th, 2015

Each year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) James J. Howard Marine Sciences Laboratory and the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) assists the Monmouth Junior Science Symposium (MJSS) recruit paper reviewers and selectors, mentors and judges. MJSS is the regional host for the Department of Defense sponsored 54th National Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS). The goal is to keep the best and brightest science-minded high-school students loving science so that they’ll go on pursuing a future in science, hopefully conducting much-needed research. The students conduct science-based research projects, prepare papers of their findings and present the results of their research at the Symposium in March. The students are recognized for outstanding achievement with awards and scholarships and can go on to compete in the national competition. Last year, the MJSS students had great success at the Junior Science & Humanities Symposium. None of this would have been possible, if it weren’t for your support as reviewers, mentors and judges!

Along with the other benefits of participating in the regional symposia, the students are given the opportunity to interact with practicing professionals (that’s us!) who can provide enrichment opportunities and discussions to encourage the students to look to careers in the sciences, engineering, or mathematics. In addition, you can submit to your supervisor to receive
Continuous Learning Points.

So by now you’re asking yourself, just how can I become involved? It’s easy and there are several ways that you can help:

Paper Review Volunteers are needed to review the student’s papers and provide written feedback. This will need to be done during 12-25 Jan 16, and can be done anywhere — in the office, at home, etc. Don’t worry, unless you are interested, you won’t be asked to review a paper that is not within your area of expertise. Attached is the paper abstract list from which you can select papers of interest.

Paper Selection Volunteers are needed to participate as part of a panel to select the top 16 research projects. You will need to attend the session at Monmouth University on Friday, 29 Jan 16.

Mentor Volunteers are needed to serve as mentors to the students of the top 16 projects on Friday, 5 Feb 16. As a mentor, you will meet with the student (at Monmouth University) in the afternoon and discuss their research project, and provide suggestions and guidance in preparation for their presentations.

MJSS Presentation Judges on Thursday, Friday, 17 & 18 Mar 16. If you can break away, you can attend the Symposium at the University and see the student’s presentation. To be a judge, you must attend the 2-day symposium, listen to the presentations, and grade based on the research and the student’s presentation.

MJSS is the most rewarding for both the students and yourself. It’s amazing to see how the student grows from your first meeting to the presentation, and to experience the passion that the students have for their research.

Attached is the paper abstract list from which you can select papers of interest. You can select papers on any subject you wish. If you are interested in reviewing papers, please send an email to Beth Sharack, NOAA representative or Michael Danko, NJSGC representative with the paper number and title.

If you would like to volunteer in any capacity, please contact either Beth Sharack at [email protected] or 732.872.3062 or Michael Danko at [email protected] or 732.872.1300 ext. 29. Please respond by 22 Dec 15 if you are willing to volunteer.

This is truly a great program for the students, and any assistance that you can provide is greatly appreciated.