By Anika Sherer '26 and Gardner Rees '25
Upperclassmen at College Prep are able to create personalized 1-on-1 courses on almost any topic with Independent Studies. Counted for 1/4 credit, these courses allow students to pursue their personal academic passions. Among the 13 studies are 6 in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields which are detailed below.
Computational Approach Geometry: Alexandra Ackert '25
Alexandra (“Allie”) Ackert’s independent study, supported by Norm Prokup, revolves around computational approach geometry, which is a field in computer science that consists of developing algorithms to solve geometric problems. Using computational methods, algorithms can solve basic geometric problems and deal with more complex geometric topics as well.
Theory of Superconductivity: Anne Saxonov '25
In collaboration with Dr. Paul Wrona, senior Anne Saxonov’s independent study focuses on the theory of superconductivity: the ability for a material to conduct electricity with zero resistance. Her study focuses primarily on the quantum theory and mathematics behind the Bardeen—Cooper—Schrieffer (BCS) theory of superconductivity. After gaining a firm and thorough understanding of the underlying principles, she hopes to code some simple Hamiltonians in order to gain new numerical results. She began thinking about the physics of superconductivity during a summer physics program which touched briefly on the topic. Last semester, she presented on superconductivity to her STEM cohort, sparking wider interest. She says the independent study is a “natural and exciting progression” of what she had already been studying on her own.
Histone Acetylation: Jules Wolff-Merovick '25
Jules Wolff-Merovick, in collaboration with Dr. Eva Campodonico, is exploring histone acetylation neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Our bodies are very selective about which genes are expressed in cells, and they use different genes in different contexts to respond to changes in the body’s and its cells’ environment. Sometimes certain genes are overexpressed later in life due to environmental factors, leading to diseases like Huntington’s. Jules hopes to help people understand how cells’ environment and genes can work together. He was originally interested in this topic after reading a book called The Gene, and he later talked to Dr. C about it, who introduced him to more niche aspects of the topic. He plans to make a presentation about his work later in the year.
Histology Techniques: Ruoxi "Lexi" Zhu '25
Ruoxi “Lexi” Zhu’s independent study, supported by Dr. Cameron Exner, delves into cell staining techniques, which involve using chemicals to color cells. That process allows scientists to highlight specific parts of cells under a microscope. Lexi’s plan is to research and write a paper discussing multiple aspects of cell staining, including different types of stains, important developments in cell staining technology, and specific case studies in which cell staining has been crucial. Even though she was inspired to explore this topic after viewing a previous student's STEMposium presentation, Lexi says that she has always been interested in biology.
Quantum Theory: Nishant Rout '25
Senior Nishant Rout is currently studying Quantum theory with math teacher Kevin Wray. In his independent study, which focuses on the mathematical theory behind quantum mechanics, NIshant studies complex linear algebra and matrix operations. Through his work, he aims to gain a more thorough understanding of the topic he first encountered at a summer camp a few years back. Nishant aims to culminate his studies with a presentation to the wider community.
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