The new class of Lilley Fellows has been announced! The five selected students will conduct their respective research during the summer and present a final capstone project in fall 2023. This year's research topics including artificial intelligence, education access during the pandemic, mapping DNA, women in STEM, and fostering empathy in education systems.
The Fellows were announced in Upper School Chapel on Wednesday, Feb. 1, by Director of Libraries and Lilley Fellows Coordinator Lorie Harding. The 2023 class includes:
Michelle Jiang '24 - Michelle's project focuses on utilizing AI and mathematical modeling in stock market predictions. Her final project will be to create an interface that collates stock prediction models in a way that is accessible to everyday private investors so that they receive feedback and predictions for their decisions. Dr. Tom Goebeler will serve as Michelle’s mentor.
Ishani Khanna '25 - Ishani’s project will focus on inspiring the next generation of women leaders in STEM by conducting a critical review of the gaps in engagement, retention, and inclusion in STEM education and careers for girls and women from middle school to graduate school. She will explore the social and systemic barriers to participation and evaluate programs initiated in the last five years, producing a “report card” to disseminate recommendations based on these findings and create Pilot Girls in STEM club programming. Mr. Matt Davis will work with Ishani.
Nayan Shankaran '24 - Nayan’s project involves utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to study human populations and is particularly focused on populations in Guam and Puerto Rico. Using contemporary human DNA samples, he will map the genetic diversity of these populations at the University of Pennsylvania. He will also interview anthropology professors and use relevant archives and past research to understand the historical, cultural, linguistic, and social aspects of the populations. Nayan's goal is to combine these various techniques and disciplines to develop a holistic view of the populations and their diverse cultural and demographic landscapes. Mr. Damon Kuzemka, Hon. will serve as Nayan’s mentor.
Alyssa Sterner '24 - Alyssa will research how to foster and sustain empathy within the educational system. Through surveys, conferences, and programs such as Harvard's “Roots of Empathy” and the impact of local organizations like the Impact at Cobbs Creek. Alyssa aims to create a best-practices curriculum that will be scalable to EA's community partner group Horizons and the Freshman Seminar. Ms. Becky Brinks will serve as Alyssa’s mentor.
Aru Venugopalan '24 - Aru will research the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in accelerating unequal access to educational technology in K-12 and what communities can do to close this digital divide. Mr. Sam Willis, Hon. will serve as his mentor.
