ISRP Alumnus Draws Connection Between Current Research and Research at Hackley

The Independent Science Research Program (ISRP) was excited to host ISRP alumnus Josh Zhang ’19 as a virtual guest speaker. During his visit, Josh presented his recent research at Notre Dame on combination treatments for pancreatic cancer. What was particularly exciting is that there was a direct connection between his current research with the acute pancreatitis research he completed while in ISRP at Hackley!

This helped reinforce for current students the real-world application of what they are learning in the program. As one student put it, “the things that were doing in ISRP might be directly applicable to research later in college.”

During his visit, Josh also talked about the demands and excitement of being a college student, ACC athlete, and science researcher. One ISRP student reflected, “Despite having a crazy schedule where he doesnt really get to have any standard college fun, he still finds it meaningful. This is interesting to me, because he stressed that his schedule was manageable, but that, importantly, he made the choice based on a reflection of what he values.”
 
Josh is taking a gap year before medical school to intern at the Hospital for Special Surgery, which stems from his senior project internship when he was a student at Hackley. One of our seniors found it particularly “interesting to hear about how he not only worked with his mentor, but actually became good friends with his mentor, which led to a job offer even when he didn’t seek one in particular.”

All alumni and families with present or past experiences in scientific research have a standing invitation to visit the Independent Science Research Program. Our future scientists love hearing your stories, and these talks are formative to their careers. If you are interested, please reach out to Dr. Andrew Ying at aying@hackleyschool.org.
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