Building Alabama’s research pipeline

Each year, Regeneron ISEF brings together nearly 2,000 high school students from more than 60 countries, regions and territories to present original scientific research. Several Alabama students who compete there advance through the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair, hosted by Auburn University’s College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) Outreach and the I-STEM Connectory. The ASEF organizers strive to create a unified, high-impact system that empowers students and teachers to engage deeply in research, collaboration, and discovery. Through statewide teacher professional development, close coordination with regional fairs, and a state fair experience designed as a true celebration of STEM, ASEF elevates scientific curiosity into lasting opportunity. 

For Alabama teachers Dreama White and Jeanne Davis, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) offered a vivid look at just how far student research can go.  Their trip with Alabama’s delegation reflected not only the strength of student research, but also the statewide network of support that helps young scientists develop their ideas and present them on an international stage. 

Where research comes alive

White, a biology teacher at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, said the energy of the event stood out immediately. 

“Nothing prepares you for the pure awe you feel upon entering the competition venue,” she said. “Regeneron ISEF is at a level above and beyond all other high school STEM fairs I have attended. The vibe is electrifying.” 

What stayed with her most, though, was the students themselves. Watching teenagers explain complex research to judges and peers from around the world was both inspiring and energizing. 

One of the most memorable moments came after a long day of judging, when students left the competition hall. 

“They file out into the hallway leading up to a parade of teachers, chaperones and parents lining their path, all applauding and cheering,” White said. “Wow. That moved me to tears.” 

Mentoring through research

For Davis, a science teacher at Dothan High School, mentoring students has been shaped by years of learning alongside other educators. “I’m learning more year by year, starting with a teacher workshop COSAM sponsored about five years ago,” she said. “We are so fortunate to have a collaborative, positive SEF ecosystem. The teachers share best practices, and the finalists work as a team with each other and with us. It’s an open-source mindset.” 

That spirit influenced how she approached mentoring this year’s students. Drawing on advice from a more experienced mentor, Davis encouraged students to begin by exploring background literature before narrowing their project ideas. She also recruited local volunteers from the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine to help students brainstorm and practice for interviews. 

For Davis, one of the most rewarding parts of the process is watching students pursue questions they genuinely care about and then present their projects. 

“Our students return with so much more confidence in themselves and their ability to successfully present their research projects,” she said. “Once they catch that research bug, it’s infectious in all the best ways.” 

A project with purpose

That growth can be especially meaningful for students whose opportunities may be shaped by geography and access. Davis pointed to her student Alexis, whose project and ISEF bid carried special significance. 

“The reality for rural students is that they have structural barriers such as limited advanced STEM coursework and geographic challenges with research opportunities,” Davis said. “But her project is interesting, personal and relevant.” 

Alexis’ project grew out of her own experience with back pain and doctor visits. Davis said she is developing an inexpensive, accessible Arduino-based device designed to quantify factors that may contribute to pain in students, especially based on how they wear their backpacks. The long-term goal is to create a kit and assembly video that younger students could build and test as well. 

When Alexis was called back to interview for a spot at ISEF, Davis said the moment was overwhelming. 

“We were both stunned,” she said. “I kept my composure, hugged her, sent her on her way, and then ran over to her mom and grandma and burst into tears. I’m just so happy for her.” 

Support from sponsors like Aptar CSP Technologies helped make the trip possible for Alabama’s delegation. For White, the experience reaches far beyond a single week of competition. 

“Experiencing Regeneron ISEF in person was nothing short of awe inspiring,” she said. “We didn’t just attend an international science fair. We came back empowered to ignite a lasting culture of curiosity and research in our classrooms.”