Students in the Independent Study Mentorship (ISM) Program presented their research at the ISM research showcase on March 9 at the University of North Texas.
“[This class] gives students an opportunity to work with professionals in the community and to learn about the professions that the students are interested in,” ISM teacher Jesse Green said.
After three years of teaching this program, Green sees himself as a guide for the students in the program.
“This class is one where the students have to take ownership of what they’re doing,” Green said. “I help them conduct their research, locate professionals, help them understand how to reach out to professionals and complete their projects. “
Each student chose a professional they were interested in shadowing. They then created a project based on what they’d learned and researched. The projects include studying digital amnesia to data science.
“My favorite part of the class is being given the ability to research something that I’m really passionate about and then create a tangible product out of it,” senior Aditi Gudiboina said. “[ISM] really allows you to focus on what you find interesting and for it to have a real world impact.”
ISM teaches students professional skills like cold calling and how to interact in professional environments like hospitals.
“I have learned the importance of reaching out to people, cold emailing and just asking because people do really appreciate that and they are willing to help you,” junior Krithi Perabattula said.
With this class being centered around each student controlling their own process, skills like time management are crucial for meeting the deadlines.
“It’s really important to manage your time when you’re in a mostly self paced class to make sure that you are able to deliver quality products,” Gudiboina said. “Figuring out the pacing and making sure you are on track is something that you need to hold yourself accountable to doing.”
Leading up to the presentation date, students met with mentors to help further their research and background information to include in their presentation, original work and final product.
“I have done many interviews with professionals in my field and from those interviews, I have gotten many insights that have helped progress my original work and now my final product,” senior Dhruv Mehendale said.
After spending the school year researching and gathering information about research topics, the showcase is a time where students are able to invite people to watch their presentations before the final presentation day.
“It’s important to know that it is a very valuable experience if you choose to make the most of it,” Perabattula said.
