We’ve Got You!

In 2022, SIVB returned to in-person annual meetings – an essential part of bringing our community back together. Continuing to stay engaged, motivating each other, and learning from each other is now more important than ever for our Society.

With this in mind, we introduce “We’ve Got You!,” a new featured series of the In Vitro Report,  which  shares the stories of SIVB members, new and seasoned, alike. Regardless of your career stage and area of expertise, we hope these reflections encourage and engage you, our students, colleagues, and members, to pursue your research dreams!

In this issue, we highlight the reflections of two talented high school students — Zeb Bruna and Nathan Ege — who won their respective 2024 International Science and Engineering Fairs (ISEF). As award winners, both Zeb and Nathan attended and presented their research as posters at the 2024 World Congress on In Vitro Biology in St. Louis, Missouri in June! This was their first time attending an international scientific meeting, and they will cherish this experience for years to come.

We hope that you will find these reflections inspiring, and we look forward to reading your stories in this this new column soon!

Addy Alt-Holland and Michael Fay

Before I even begin, I would like to extend my most sincerest thanks to the Society for In Vitro Biology for the invitation and opportunity to attend the 2024 World Congress on In Vitro Biology. Attending the conference and being able to have discussions with individuals with careers oriented around research has truly deepened my passion for pursuing a career not only oriented around research and STEM but also in the field of In Vitro Biology. I had no idea when I first became involved in my school’s science research program that I could end up where I am now, but I am very glad that I have. As a high school student, having the opportunity to network with so many college students was very impactful, as I have met individuals who may be my future colleagues very early on.

One of the most impactful things that happened to me at the World Congress on In Vitro Biology was having discussions with some of the most respected scientists within the field of In Vitro Biology. Very few things have inspired me as much to pursue my research dreams as getting to meet with these individuals has. I also got to discuss my research while presenting with many individuals who were well-versed in the field and who have given me feedback and opened my eyes to new ideas to pursue when it comes to my research. There are a limited number of places in the world where I could have gotten the same feedback as I did at the World Congress on In Vitro Biology, and I am delighted that I got to have the opportunity to do so. I would encourage anyone else my age deeply passionate about research and the field of In Vitro Biology to attend the World Congress on In Vitro Biology, as it was incredibly educational and inspiring to me, and has truly driven me to pursue my passions.

Submitted by Zeb Bruna

Wiping down my lab bench and BSC for the last time at the end of the summer, I expected most of the excitement for that project to be behind me, with a few presentations here and there of my work ahead. Unbeknownst to me was the discoveries hiding within the sheets of data waiting for me that would take my project from a summer internship experience to share at local science fairs to an international presentation in front of a panel of PhD professors and professionals.

The path that led this research to such an impressive stage started off with entering into the local division of ISEF. For those unfamiliar with the world of scholastic science fairs, ISEF stands for the International Science and Engineering Fair. It is one of the most prestigious competitions for high school students to present their own original research to panels of judges with hopes of winning local, national, and international recognition. This all starts with regional fairs, such as the one I competed with in northern New Jersey. After two days and hours of interviews and poster sessions, I was selected as the winner of the Society for In Vitro Biology Award and a ticket to the World Congress for In Vitro Biology. I was incredibly excited about the opportunity that was ahead of me and the chance to not only attend but present at a professional conference.

Arriving at the World Congress was an experience unlike anything else I’d had in science. Immediately I was welcomed by people who were eager to help and fascinated to learn about my work, regardless of my age or credentials. Throughout the weekend, everyone at the conference was excited and eager to share what they had done and to learn from everyone else that was there. Whether it was a formal presentation, a poster session, or a chance encounter, everyone had something interesting to say and a different insight to learn from.

When it comes to experiencing something like this, very few are given the opportunity to attend. That shouldn’t be any form of discouragement for a student who wants to get this experience. I had no idea what to expect going into this fall but by searching for these opportunities and putting yourself forward, doors will open for you and there will be people just like the community and staff at the SIVB who are eager to help you on your journey and want you to succeed. It was a pleasure and an absolute honor to present at the World Congress this year and I look forward to working with the Society for In Vitro Biology again in the future!

Submitted by
Nathan Ege
Millburn High School, Millburn, NJ