Saher Iqbal on campus at Johns Hopkins University
Summer months were the perfect opportunity for students to travel and attend focused educational programs in their areas of interest. We recently shared the story of Minjun and Yewon Jang (‘26) who attended Harvard and Yale Pre-College programs over the summer. In addition to the Jang sisters, five other upper school students attended unique summer educational programs:
Zyva Iqbal (‘26) was accepted into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's PREFACE Program, for students interested in pursuing a career in engineering or technology whose demographics are historically underrepresented in science and engineering fields.
During the course, students participated in the discourse surrounding the Department of Energy’s Consent-Based Siting Process for Federal Consolidated Interim Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel. Zyva explains, “Throughout the two-week program, our professor guided us in developing our own statements on the topic of spent nuclear fuel storage. Our programming also exposed us to various specialty fields in engineering such as aeronautical, civil, mechanical, electrochemical, and computer engineering. We attended lectures with professors of different specialties and discussed topics ranging from microbiology to quantum computing.”
While attending this two-week program, Zyva lived on campus and made lasting friendships with other students. “The PREFACE program was a remarkable experience and I would highly recommend that other high schoolers apply,” says Zyva.
Saher Iqbal (‘26) was accepted into John Hopkins University’s Pre-College summer program. The program is intended for academically advanced high school students who get to experience fast-paced college-level learning and engage with like-minded students. A variety of programs are offered in the areas of medicine, neuroscience, and psychology.
Sahar enrolled in the Introduction to Lab Research course. “During those 2 weeks, I genetically modified E. coli to fluoresce under UV light, ran a DNA fingerprinting experiment, identified GMO products using PCR and gel electrophoresis, and more! I kept a lab notebook detailing each experiment, which helped me think through each step and navigate the lab with more confidence,” says Sahar.
The experience has taught her “to always remain curious and ambitious,” she adds. Sahar also had the opportunity to meet students from all over the world and is “re-entering ISM with a larger network and the hope to inspire others to honor their curiosity and follow it to new destinations.”
Malaika Bajwa (‘25) attended Georgetown University's Law Academy, where students are given the opportunity to explore their interest in law through lectures and discussions while getting a glimpse of the Georgetown undergraduate experience.
Malaika shares, “I had the privilege of learning from experienced attorneys who are alumni of Georgetown Law School. Some highlights of my trip included visiting the U.S. Capitol and the Superior Court in Washington, D.C. At the Capitol, students were given the opportunity to explore independently and visit both the Senate and House chambers. At the Superior Court, we observed real-life court cases, including those involving homicides, drug offenses, and manslaughter. Witnessing these proceedings firsthand was truly an eye-opening experience.”
Students also completed a capstone project that included a mock trial, “on the final day, we had the extraordinary opportunity to hold our mock trial at the Superior Court in a courtroom, which was a one-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Malaika.
To sum up her experience, Malaika adds, “This program provided me with a clearer vision of my future, enhanced my understanding through lectures, and sharpened my trial skills, ultimately leading to me being named "Best Attorney" by the presiding judge at the end of our mock trial. I am incredibly grateful for this experience and excited to see what the future holds as I pursue my goal of becoming an attorney.”
Kaia Frazier (‘26) was provided the opportunity to work as an assistant for the Environmental Stewardship Institute (ESI), a program offered through Friends of the Mississippi River, a non-profit whose mission is to engage people to protect, restore, and enhance the Mississippi and its watershed in the Twin Cities region. Kaia initially attended the ESI program as a fellow in the summer of 2023, where she explored the topic of the environment through hands-on restoration activities, research, and career exploration.
Kaia Frazier canoeing with ESI fellows Kaia shares, “I was able to work alongside the ESI Program Associate, as well as the Youth Program Manager… to help organize the program and guide fellows with their research. At Friends of the Mississippi River, I not only learned a lot about leadership and communication but also was able to experience Minnesota’s natural areas, such as kayaking and canoeing the Mississippi River and Minnesota River.”
She adds, “The experiences that I have had at FMR have helped me discover my passion for the environment, and I hope to continue to grow and expand upon what I’ve learned in my initiatives at ISM this year, as well as in college.”
Zinjin Wu (‘26) attended a 9-day summer engineering program through the National Student Leadership Conference held at the University of Michigan. The National Student Leadership Conference is a pre-college program where students can explore a career concentration they are interested in while living on campus and getting a glimpse of the college experience.
Zinjun explains, “I engrossed myself in social learning opportunities such as CHEPS (Center for Healthcare Engineering and Patient Safety), worked with the UMich robotics department to build drones, gliders, RC cars, RC boats, engines, wind turbines, lidar sensors, trusses, electronics, solar cells, and learned new applicable expertise in arduino programming and CAD on solidworks.”
The course also provided opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience at General Motors, Ford, and Marathon Petroleum. “It was extremely eye-opening experiencing their engineering process, their newest technology and even their meetings as well as seeing how engineers with different backgrounds work together professionally,” says Zinjin. He adds, “In my peer group I learned listening, speaking, and leadership skills that made me a better and more dependable team player. Furthermore, I met other like-minded and curious peers who all have similar aspirations as me which reaffirmed my own love for science and problem-solving.”
Zinjin shares that his biggest growth from this experience is his boost in confidence, “by meeting and discussing intricate topics with these new talented yet pragmatic people, I have understood my real personality better in fight or flight situations, what my strengths and weaknesses are, and how to manage them appropriately. Finally, I will use my experiences of collaboration and technical skills to be a supportive, encouraging, and adept student at ISM and onwards.”
It’s never too early to begin thinking about summer plans and educational programs. Where do you see yourself in summer 2025? Students interested in pre-college programs can make an appointment with Mr. Cohen, Director of College Counseling for assistance.
