Presentation Day at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy a Showcase of Talented Youth from Throughout the State

For Immediate Release, April 2003
For comment, contact Brenda Buschbacher at (630) 907-5033

“Indentation of Nanostructured Silicon Carbide Coatings”
“Artificial Intelligence, Complex Adaptive Systems, and their Application to Cognitive Science”
“Portraits of Great American Scientists, Part II”
“Early and Late Changes in Left Ventricular Morphology Following Mitral Valve Repair for Chronic Mitral Regurgitation”

While these may sound like articles from scientific journals written by scientists at the top of their fields, they are actually a sampling of the research findings that will be presented by more than 200 talented high school students from throughout the state at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s 15th annual Presentation Day on Wednesday, April 30, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

“The work that our students are conducting both independently and with mentors from the scientific community is internationally recognized and raises academic standards to a new level,” says Dr. Stephanie Pace Marshall, President of the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA). “Presentation Day is a vivid reflection of their experience here. You really must see it to believe it.”

On presentation day, IMSA students will present their findings from research they have conducted through IMSA’s Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) Program. The SIR program challenges students to engage in self-directed scholarly and scientific investigation and artistic expression. A mentorship component pairs students with scientists and master scholars in museums, corporations, educational institutions and research laboratories.

Students making presentations have written science fiction novels, developed original mathematic proofs, composed original musical scores, carbon-dated archaeological discoveries and tutored children living in Chicago’s Cabrini Green Public Housing Development. Many have delivered their presentations to national and international science and math conferences.

“IMSA students come from throughout Illinois to take advantage of what is a truly unique academic environment,” Dr. Marshall says. “At IMSA we are turning secondary education on its head.”

Located in Aurora, Illinois, the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is an internationally-recognized pioneering educational institution created by the State to develop talent and stimulate excellence in teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology. IMSA's advanced residential college preparatory program enrolls 650 academically talented Illinois students in grades 10-12. More than 16,000 teachers and 23,000 students in Illinois and beyond have benefited from IMSA's professional development and enrichment programs. IMSA serves the people of Illinois through innovative instructional programs, public and private partnerships, policy leadership and action research. It is located just off Interstate 88, at 1500 West Sullivan Road in Aurora.

To attend Presentation Day or interview an outstanding IMSA student from your community, please call Melanie Scofield at 708-386-3143 or Brenda Buschbacher at (630) 907-5033.