Thank you for reading this year's issue of Eureka! Eureka was initially introduced in 2016 as a collaboration between Catalyst. Rice's undergraduate research journal, and Houston area high schools to promote scientific literacy. The disruptions of COVID-19 caused a 6 year long hiatus for the journal prior to it being relaunched last year in partnership with Carnegie Vanguard High School and Bellaire High School. In our first year leading this program, we learned a lot about how to effectively organize and guide students as they embark on their ambitious projects. This year, we're proud to expand our list of partnered high schools with the addition Cypress Ridge High School. With 25 student-mentor pairings, we've achieved significant growth from last year's pilot program. This year's issue covers a wide range of topics that represent the diverse interests of our students, from biology to sustainability.
Student participants in the programs synthesized literature reviews over their topic of choice. Since December, they have worked hard to research, write, and design their articles while also preparing a poster to present at the Eureka Poster Symposium. Throughout the semester, these students have learned how to read scientific papers, write professionally, and present their findings to a general audience. While balancing other extracurriculars and academics, students were pushed to learn skills in time management, scientific communication, graphic design, and collaboration. In the future, we know these students will continue to demonstrate the fantastic work ethic they displayed while in the Eureka program.
Of course, our work at Eureka wouldn't be possible without the tireless work of Rice University student mentors. We'd like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the students and mentors who chose to volunteer their time towards this cause.
Between juggling academics and extracurricular commitments, these individuals spent many hours a week working to make this publication a reality. In addition. we appreciate the financial support of the Hilda and Hershel Rich Family Endowment and Ross Rankin Moody Opportunity Fund which made our publication and poster symposium a possibility.
We are incredibly proud of the efforts of these students and thankful for those that support us. Throughout the years, the goal of Catalyst and Eureka has been to promote scientific literacy and skills. This year, the growth of our program and the efforts of over 50 participants made that a reality. Moving forward, we're excited to increase our impact through more school partnerships and a yearlong program. We recognize that this publication is the result of countless hours of work from individuals who already lead very busy lives. For all those who chose to be a part of this effort as a writer, mentor, or reader, we thank you for allowing us to be a small part of your scientific journey.
