By: Iris Lu (11)

Junior Corynn Frank joined the independent research class to challenge herself. After taking chemistry as a sophomore, Corynn went through the interview process and was accepted into the class. She explained that getting in required effort and preparation.

“The research class is offered at our school, and it was started by Doc,” Corynn said. “There’s an application and interview process, and chemistry students are allowed to interview. I interviewed with Max, Kate, and Allison, and I got in for this year.”

In the research class, students work with college professors on different projects. This gives students a chance to experience real scientific work. It also gives students the opportunity to travel and present their work. Corynn attends ACS meetings, which are large chemistry conferences held across the country.

“We work with a lot of college professors, and they give us projects that they want us to work on. Every year, we go to ACS meetings around the U.S.. We present our posters at a poster session and listen to professors and students give talks.”

Although Corynn plans to become a veterinarian, she explained that the class still benefits her in many ways. She said students are encouraged to continue the class if they start as juniors.

“If you take it as a junior, they want you to take it as a senior because you’ll have more experience. Although this doesn’t directly relate to what I want to do, it's really competitive and a great experience. It prepares me for college and helps me learn how to work hard and be independent.”

Throughout junior year, Corynn has gained tons of experience and talks positively about the class. She has been able to push herself and gain skills that will help her in the future.