by Alexandra M. Landsberg, Director, Mathematics, Computer and Information Sciences Division, Office of Naval Research | 05 August 2021 For hundreds of high school students throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and Department of Defense (DoD) Dependent Schools of Europe and the Pacific, the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication to research. They have competed and won at the regional level, qualifying for the national competition for a chance to win top honors in this prestigious STEM competition. JSHS is a DoD Tri-Service program that encourages high school students to conduct original research. Over 8,000 talented youth annually compete in 49 JSHS regional symposia to receive recognition and scholarships for their research achievements. The 59th National JSHS, coordinated by the National Science Teaching Association, was hosted virtually this year from April 14-17, 2021, and brought together approximately 245 high school students to compete in research poster and oral competitions. The Department of the Navy (DON) contributed to the National JSHS in so many impactful ways. Mayra Pulido, a Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific electrical engineer and former Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program intern, participated in a live DoD Opportunities panel that allowed students to learn about the DoD's various student opportunities and ask questions. Dr. Leigh McCue, an associate professor at George Mason University and a ship dynamics researcher, served as a technical speaker. She provided an inspiring talk on her research and videos from former JSHS participants on their career paths. The Chief of Naval Research (CNR), RADM Selby, provided congratulatory remarks to the winners at the award ceremony. Set in an undersea backdrop, CNR highlighted current and future naval science and technology challenges and shared video clips that featured the DON's amazing work. CNR’s video remarks were certainly energizing! In addition to all of our speakers, Naval Air Warfare Center Patuxent River provided two fascinating virtual tours of their Human Systems Engineering Department and their Advanced System Integration Lab. I also want to thank the 18 DON STEM professionals who volunteered to judge the students’ research. DON’s presence in this year’s event was strong! Check out the JSHS website for the complete list of 2021 winners: https://www.jshs.org/2021/04/21/2021-national-jshs-winners/ DON is a proud sponsor for the National JSHS and is honored to provide continued support for a program that inspires high school students to engage in STEM research!