The upper school recently hosted its annual Summer Science Internship Presentation https://thebenjaminschool.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=7a6565b1-f390-45ea-8ebc-b4d300c4a8c4assembly, giving students an opportunity to share the hands-on scientific experiences they pursued over the summer.

From neuroscience and biomedical research to archaeology, forensic science, and artificial intelligence, students explored a wide range of disciplines while working alongside researchers, physicians, archaeologists and other science professionals. Their presentations offered a glimpse into the questions they investigated and the hands-on skills they developed beyond the classroom.

Elle Derby spent her summer at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, working in the Department of Neuronal Signal Transduction under Dr. Yasuda and Dr. Tai Ogawa. Her research focused on visualizing dopamine D1 receptors in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved in learning and memory.

Because these receptors are expressed at relatively low levels, they can be difficult to detect using traditional staining methods. Derby evaluated signal amplification and post-expansion immunostaining techniques and gained experience with immunostaining, fluorescence imaging, tissue expansion and quantitative image analysis.

Isabelle Charlton took her research outside the laboratory, traveling to Spain for a three-week archaeological excavation. She helped excavate the northeast tower of a nearly 2,000-year-old Roman fortress built over an even older Iron Age settlement. Working alongside archaeologists, Charlton helped uncover evidence that may provide insight into how the massive complex was used and the people who lived there centuries ago.

Her experience combined archaeology, history, and scientific investigation in a hands-on field setting.

Lily Feiner conducted biomedical research at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, studying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, a disease in which lung tissue becomes progressively scarred and stiff. Feiner investigated inflammatory processes associated with the disease by examining biomarkers in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and studying related pathways in a pre-clinical model. She also explored the effects of ALT-100, an experimental monoclonal antibody designed to target a molecule involved in inflammation. Her research gave her insight into the process of moving from understanding disease biology toward evaluating potential treatments.

Mili Mohanty spent six weeks at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, where she worked in the TN Lab on a project titled Engineering a Novel Redshifted Glutamate Sensor. Mohanty worked closely with her mentor to develop a redshifted version of iGluSnFR, a fluorescent sensor that detects glutamate, an important neurotransmitter involved in processes such as learning and memory. Her goal was to help develop a brighter and more responsive sensor. Because red light can penetrate deeper into brain tissue and can be imaged alongside green sensors, the work could expand the tools available for studying neural activity.

Emma Lewis explored the clinical side of medicine through a Harvard Med Science program. During the hands-on program, Lewis participated in medical simulations designed to replicate clinical and emergency-room situations. She practiced skills including suturing, starting IVs, intubation and controlling bleeding, and also participated in a simulated childbirth scenario. She treated simulated patients as part of a clinical team and earned certifications in CPR and Stop the Bleed. The experience gave Lewis a firsthand look at the teamwork, communication, and quick decision-making involved in patient care.

Evan Wang spent six weeks conducting research at Boston University, working in Dr. Hahn's lab within the biomedical engineering department. His project explored the neuroscience of gait, or the coordinated pattern of movement involved in walking. Wang investigated whether noninvasive sensory cues, such as rhythmic sound or vibration, could influence movement and make walking patterns more consistent. His work combined neuroscience, movement science and quantitative data analysis, including the use of machine-learning approaches to study changes in gait.

Isabella Anthon spent three weeks at the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied research and writing in the age of artificial intelligence. Her project examined whether large language models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude could reflect cultural biases or omit important perspectives when describing historical and scientific events. Anthon tested the three AI models using identical prompts, compared their responses with peer-reviewed academic sources and evaluated the results for inaccuracies, potential biases and what researchers describe as archival silence; the absence of certain voices or perspectives from the historical record. Her work explored the importance of critically evaluating AI-generated information and considering whose perspectives may be represented, or missing.

Aidan McCorkle worked as a Kenan Fellow at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute in Dr. Matthew Disney's RNA Targeting Chemistry Lab. His research focused on miR-155, a small RNA molecule found at unusually high levels in several types of cancer. McCorkle investigated small molecules that could bind to the RNA and worked on a method for determining exactly where that binding occurs. His fellowship involved molecular biology and chemistry techniques, screening potential compounds and analyzing experimental data. He concluded the experience by writing a scientific abstract and presenting his work through both a poster and oral presentation.

Elle Sorenson participated in a Harvard Med Science program focused on forensic science. During the five-day program, Sorenson worked with a small group of students to investigate a fictional criminal case that developed as new evidence was introduced. Rather than simply learning about forensic techniques, students performed them in a laboratory and used their findings to help build the case. Sorenson's experience provided a hands-on introduction to the application of science in criminal investigations and allowed her to explore her interests in both medicine and science.

Together, the presentations highlighted the breadth of opportunities available to Benjamin students beyond the traditional classroom and the opportunity to pursue a question of interest and experience the process of discovery firsthand.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE 2026 SUMMER SCIENCE INTERNSHIP PRESENTATIONS