Save the Date March 3-4 for the Missouri Junior Science and Humanities Symposium

Missouri 4-H is proudly hosting the
Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

March 3-4, 2023
Location: University of Missouri in Columbia, MO on March 3; Online (Zoom) March 4

 

JSHS is designed to challenge, engage, and publicly recognize students (Grades 9-12) conducting research in sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Individual students compete for scholarships and recognition by presenting the results of their original research efforts before a panel of judges and an audience of their peers. Opportunities for career exploration, research lab visits, peer discussions, and networking are planned. By participating in regional and national symposia, students may:

  • Participate in a forum honoring individual achievement in STEM.
  • Network with peers who have similar interests.
  • Hear research presentations by other students.
  • Develop skills to help prepare for undergraduate and graduate pursuits in STEM fields.
  • Hear nationally renowned scientists speak on their work.
  • Qualify for significant scholarships and other recognition.
  • Advance to the national symposium.

Any student (not just those in 4-H) in grades 9-12 who is conducting original research to submit by the regional deadline is a JSHS participant. There is no registration fee to apply or to participate.

We believe in equitable access for all young investigators. Do you need assistance with accessing research supplies for your project? Please contact kellieseals@missouri.edu or meeka@umsystem.edu. Supplies may be available through the Missouri 4-H state office.

Students' submitted work is reviewed and invitations to present at the Regional JSHS event are sent.

The Missouri Regional JSHS also welcomes students in grades 8-12 to attend as Observers. Attending as an Observer is a great way to partake in the JSHS symposium when you are not ready to attend as a presenter. Please select the Guest registration option to attend as an Observer.

STEP 1: Students in grades 9–12 select an area of research:

  • Environmental Science
  • Life and Behavioral Sciences
  • Medicine and Health
  • Biomedical Sciences, Molecular/Cellular
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Math and Computer Sciences/Computer Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
  • Chemistry

STEP 2: Students register as a participant for the Regional JSHS event.

STEP 3: Students conduct original research.

STEP 4: By February 1, participants submit for evaluation an abstract and research paper reporting the results of their STEM research.

Students are notified of their invitation to present in the oral or poster competition by February 10. Please refer to the Core Rules of Competition to ensure your materials follow regional guidelines.

All students intending to apply must submit an abstract and research paper reporting the results of their STEM research. Abstracts and research papers should be Word or PDF files and will be uploaded into this registration. When saving and naming files for upload, please use the following file name format: Last Name_First Name_Abstract and last Name_First Name_Research Paper. Students must also submit a Statement on Outside Assistance (SOA). This document should be titled using Last Name_First Name_SOA.

Students who are selected to make presentations at the Missouri Regional JSHS have an opportunity to win undergraduate, tuition-based scholarships and cash awards up to $2,000. The JSHS will distribute $4,500 in academic scholarships to the top three regional finalists:

  • $2,000 to first place.
  • $1,500 to second place.
  • $1,000 to third place.

The top five finalists are invited to advance to the National JSHS. Two of the five finalists will orally present their research in competition for military-sponsored scholarships; three of the five finalists will present their research in poster sessions where the top three students in each category receive recognition and cash awards. National JSHS scholarships are awarded as follows:

  • Eight $12,000 undergraduate tuition scholarships, awarded to each of the 1st place finalists in the National research paper competition.
  • Eight $8,000 undergraduate tuition scholarships, awarded to each of the 2nd place finalists in the National research paper competition.
  • Eight $4,000 undergraduate tuition scholarships, awarded to each of the 3rd place finalists in the National research paper competition.

For additional references to information on paper preparation, style and presentation, please refer to the JSHS Rules of Competition for student research presentation at the National JSHS.

JSHS is a Tri-Service – U.S. Army, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force and Space Force − program that encourages high school students to conduct original research in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). JSHS is a collaborative effort between the research arm of the Department of Defense and nationwide colleges and universities. JSHS aims to prepare and support students to contribute as future scientists and engineers, conducting STEM research on behalf of or directly for the Department of Defense (DoD), federal research laboratories to help advance the nation's scientific and technological progress. Through JSHS, over 8,000 youth annually compete in 49 regional symposia covering the U.S., Puerto Rico, and DoD Dependent Schools in Europe and the Pacific to receive recognition, incentives, and scholarships for their research achievements.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact: Kellie Seals at kellieseals@missouri.edu or Amanda Meek at meeka@umsystem.edu.