Honors STEM Research
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The Honors STEM Research program gives upperclassmen the opportunity to explore in real research laboratories.
Harpeth Hall offers an Honors STEM Research program for selected juniors and seniors interested in conducting scientific research. Qualified students are placed in research laboratories based on their particular interest. Students present their scientific findings at two regional science and engineering fairs in the spring. The course enhances personal development by providing students an opportunity to navigate a university setting, work as part of an academic research team, and communicate results effectively to the scientific community and the general public.
Get real world experience in professional laboratories.
During the 2019-20 school year, 14 juniors and seniors were placed at laboratories at Vanderbilt University and other organizations across Nashville. There, students completed their cutting-edge research on topics including “Characterizing the Relationship between Biological Factors and Cervical Spine Cord Metrics Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)” and the “Effect of Fatigue-Induced Micro-Damage on the Raman Spectra of Bone.”
Past Placements
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Harpeth Conservancy · Peabody College, Department of Special Education · TN Environmental Council · Vanderbilt Imaging Institute · Vanderbilt Kennedy Center · Vanderbilt University Department of Biological Sciences · VU Department of Biomedical Engineering · VU Department of Chemical/Biomolecular Engineering · VU Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences · VU Department of Electrical Engineering & CS · VU Department of Hematology and Oncology · VU Department of Mechanical Engineering · VU Department of Physics and Astronomy · VUMC Department of Bone Biology · VUMC Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology · VUMC Department of Radiological Sciences
Past Projects
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![The Impact of Splicing Factor SRSF2(p95H) Mutation on the Transcriptional Profile of the Csf3r Gene]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695916670/harpeth/tt0pdujzokvwwjvbpxao/ClaraAmbroseLabPhoto.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695916670/harpeth/tt0pdujzokvwwjvbpxao/ClaraAmbroseLabPhoto.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695916670/harpeth/tt0pdujzokvwwjvbpxao/ClaraAmbroseLabPhoto.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1695916670/harpeth/tt0pdujzokvwwjvbpxao/ClaraAmbroseLabPhoto.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1695916670/harpeth/tt0pdujzokvwwjvbpxao/ClaraAmbroseLabPhoto.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1695916670/harpeth/tt0pdujzokvwwjvbpxao/ClaraAmbroseLabPhoto.jpg","width":2200}])
by Clara Ambrose '23
![Quantification of Riparian Vegetation at Various Sites along the Harpeth River]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695916628/harpeth/l4ce3qkgquockzr8hdxl/IsabellaBaldwinPhoto.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695916628/harpeth/l4ce3qkgquockzr8hdxl/IsabellaBaldwinPhoto.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695916628/harpeth/l4ce3qkgquockzr8hdxl/IsabellaBaldwinPhoto.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1695916628/harpeth/l4ce3qkgquockzr8hdxl/IsabellaBaldwinPhoto.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1695916628/harpeth/l4ce3qkgquockzr8hdxl/IsabellaBaldwinPhoto.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1695916628/harpeth/l4ce3qkgquockzr8hdxl/IsabellaBaldwinPhoto.jpg","width":2200}])
by Isabella Baldwin ‘23
![Extraction of Attenuation Coefficient from Volumetric Scans of the Optic Nerve Head for Glaucoma Assessment]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695915086/harpeth/wrby5usoqds7xgirvhh1/LenaQian.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695915086/harpeth/wrby5usoqds7xgirvhh1/LenaQian.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695915086/harpeth/wrby5usoqds7xgirvhh1/LenaQian.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1695915086/harpeth/wrby5usoqds7xgirvhh1/LenaQian.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1695915086/harpeth/wrby5usoqds7xgirvhh1/LenaQian.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695915086/harpeth/wrby5usoqds7xgirvhh1/LenaQian.jpg","width":2016}])
by Lena Qian '23
![Optimizing Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for the Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695915273/harpeth/qsdjujbewdlgoinommkb/photocarolineseehorn.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695915273/harpeth/qsdjujbewdlgoinommkb/photocarolineseehorn.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695915273/harpeth/qsdjujbewdlgoinommkb/photocarolineseehorn.jpg","width":640}])
by Caroline Seehorn '23
![RSK Inhibition in CDK4/CDK6 Resistant ER+ Breast Cancer]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695916710/harpeth/elgmnooanadtpjriqgud/ShreyaPriyadarshi.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695916710/harpeth/elgmnooanadtpjriqgud/ShreyaPriyadarshi.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695916710/harpeth/elgmnooanadtpjriqgud/ShreyaPriyadarshi.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1695916710/harpeth/elgmnooanadtpjriqgud/ShreyaPriyadarshi.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1695916710/harpeth/elgmnooanadtpjriqgud/ShreyaPriyadarshi.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1695916710/harpeth/elgmnooanadtpjriqgud/ShreyaPriyadarshi.jpg","width":2200}])
by Shreya Priyadarshi '24
![Optimal Acquisition and Processing Strategies for Accurate and Precise Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) Modeling of the Spinal Cord]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695917971/harpeth/y8qemsi0bedstnay7y8u/ChekayliMeyer.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695917971/harpeth/y8qemsi0bedstnay7y8u/ChekayliMeyer.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695917971/harpeth/y8qemsi0bedstnay7y8u/ChekayliMeyer.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1695917971/harpeth/y8qemsi0bedstnay7y8u/ChekayliMeyer.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1695917971/harpeth/y8qemsi0bedstnay7y8u/ChekayliMeyer.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695917971/harpeth/y8qemsi0bedstnay7y8u/ChekayliMeyer.jpg","width":1885}])
by Chekayli Meyer '23
![Confirmation of the Dual Affinity Liposomal Nanoparticles to Primary and Cultured Blood Cells]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695916304/harpeth/cmzxrk25469ti8gj1eid/photoavacassidyposter.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695916304/harpeth/cmzxrk25469ti8gj1eid/photoavacassidyposter.jpg","width":480}])
by Ava Cassidy '23
![Finding Ideal Locations in Tennessee to Plate Trees Using Data Collection and Analysis]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626126313/harpeth/j3imddqn0crxd6jhi8sn/CarolineHarwell_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1626126313/harpeth/j3imddqn0crxd6jhi8sn/CarolineHarwell_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1626126313/harpeth/j3imddqn0crxd6jhi8sn/CarolineHarwell_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626126313/harpeth/j3imddqn0crxd6jhi8sn/CarolineHarwell_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":930}])
by Caroline Harwell ‘20
![Developing Polymeric Nanoparticles for the delivery of Poly (I.C.) to TLR3 and MDA-5 for Innate Immune Activation]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626126058/harpeth/b1yaxqjhadqmp7qijt1e/BelleHuang_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1626126058/harpeth/b1yaxqjhadqmp7qijt1e/BelleHuang_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626126058/harpeth/b1yaxqjhadqmp7qijt1e/BelleHuang_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":551}])
by Belle Huang ‘21
![A Comprehensive Investigation into Nanodevices]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626125970/harpeth/ki6o4pux3aj4z8lv0rgf/MeganRobertson_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1626125970/harpeth/ki6o4pux3aj4z8lv0rgf/MeganRobertson_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626125970/harpeth/ki6o4pux3aj4z8lv0rgf/MeganRobertson_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":556}])
by Megan Robertson ‘20
![Electrochemical Evaluation of Novel Nanoscale Materials for Water Desalination]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626125741/harpeth/vt8s7cyzohtwhjssoeit/DevonCampbell_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626125741/harpeth/vt8s7cyzohtwhjssoeit/DevonCampbell_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":511}])
by Devon Campbell ‘21
![Comparing Two Methods of Attenuation Coefficient Extraction for the Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer from Optical Coherence Tomography Data for Glaucoma Assessment]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626125617/harpeth/gl57t0baw5l0gxzmejwv/ClaraMurff_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1626125617/harpeth/gl57t0baw5l0gxzmejwv/ClaraMurff_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1626125617/harpeth/gl57t0baw5l0gxzmejwv/ClaraMurff_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626125617/harpeth/gl57t0baw5l0gxzmejwv/ClaraMurff_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":856}])
by Clara Murff ‘21
![Characterizing the Relationship between Biological Factors and Cervical Spinal Cord Metrics Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626124712/harpeth/tqpkzocvhjprz8oqee8l/SarahCook_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1626124712/harpeth/tqpkzocvhjprz8oqee8l/SarahCook_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626124712/harpeth/tqpkzocvhjprz8oqee8l/SarahCook_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":774}])
by Sarah Cook ‘21
![Identifying Transcriptional Regulators of Gap Junction Specificity in C. elegans]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626126204/harpeth/uqn5b7qvo6c5n4sqdfgv/SydneyHeifner_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1626126204/harpeth/uqn5b7qvo6c5n4sqdfgv/SydneyHeifner_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1626126204/harpeth/uqn5b7qvo6c5n4sqdfgv/SydneyHeifner_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626126204/harpeth/uqn5b7qvo6c5n4sqdfgv/SydneyHeifner_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":956}])
by Sydney Heifner ‘20
![Physiological and Behavioral Indicators of Stress in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626124880/harpeth/ur2x4kcofxvwnqadv5b5/MacyGilmour_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626124880/harpeth/ur2x4kcofxvwnqadv5b5/MacyGilmour_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":437}])
by Macy Gilmour ‘21
![Restoring the Greenfield Site to its Fullest Potential]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626126597/harpeth/zvdyib9mj3eu1k2fmnjd/MarthaMilek_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1626126597/harpeth/zvdyib9mj3eu1k2fmnjd/MarthaMilek_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626126597/harpeth/zvdyib9mj3eu1k2fmnjd/MarthaMilek_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":536}])
by Martha Milek ‘20
![Calcium Isotopes in Stalagmites as a Quantitative Precipitation Proxy for Comparison to Instrumental Records]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626124470/harpeth/pz3lbbvdnhurugt5zbzo/AnnieStewart_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1626124470/harpeth/pz3lbbvdnhurugt5zbzo/AnnieStewart_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626124470/harpeth/pz3lbbvdnhurugt5zbzo/AnnieStewart_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":698}])
by Annie Stewart ‘21
![A Comprehensive Review of Past Research Studies that Utilized Reinforcer Assessment Protocols to Generate Research Question Answers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626126537/harpeth/mpu6sm8t0ikawfrjyygr/EleanorRankin_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626126537/harpeth/mpu6sm8t0ikawfrjyygr/EleanorRankin_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":477}])
by Eleanor Rankin ‘20
![Predicting E. coli Levels in the Harpeth River Watershed]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626125346/harpeth/qabec7ydmrrcqtluxf4l/MacKenzieHiggins_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1626125346/harpeth/qabec7ydmrrcqtluxf4l/MacKenzieHiggins_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1626125346/harpeth/qabec7ydmrrcqtluxf4l/MacKenzieHiggins_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626125346/harpeth/qabec7ydmrrcqtluxf4l/MacKenzieHiggins_STEMResearch_Spring20.png","width":853}])
by MacKenzie Higgins ‘20