Each year, Rowland Hall upper schoolers have the unique opportunity to pursue college-level research through the school’s Advanced Research program.

Building on the success of the school’s pioneering Research Science course, established in 2020, Rowland Hall launched our AR program in 2023–2024. The program allows students, most often seniors, to dive deeply into topics of their choice, ultimately sharing their work beyond the classroom and contributing to broader scholarship.

Read on to learn about the research conducted in the five AR classes that ran in 2025–2026: AR Biology, AR Chemistry, AR Computational Sciences, AR Humanities, and AR Physics.

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AR Biology

Now in its third year, AR Biology immerses students in the research and communication processes of the biological and biomedical sciences under the guidance of Dr. Padmashree Rida. This year’s class of eight seniors tackled four research projects and shared their findings publicly at the American Association for Cancer Research’s Annual Meeting in San Diego, April 17–22.

Molecular docking and in silico ADMET approach to identify potential phytochemical lead molecules targeting EZH2 for the treatment of AR-low triple-negative breast cancer and endometriosis

Research conducted by Eric Brown and Sarah McMahon, in collaboration with the City of Hope cancer treatment and research center

This project used computer modeling to identify promising plant-based compounds that may help treat both AR-low triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of cancer, and endometriosis. To carry out their research, the group completed a five-week introductory course on molecular modeling in drug discovery from Schrödinger, earning certification in an industry-level suite of tools used for molecular docking and drug discovery. In addition to presenting their findings at AACR’s annual meeting, the team competed at the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair.

Molecular Docking and in silico ADMET approach to identify potential phytochemical lead molecules targeting the oncoprotein ATAD2 for treatment of AR-low triple-negative breast cancer

Research conducted by Aanika Boe, Jacob Conover, and Darshan Pani, in collaboration with City of Hope 

This project used computer modeling to identify plant-based compounds that could bind to and inhibit the oncoprotein ATAD2, which is over-expressed and drives many cancers. Such inhibitors could potentially help treat AR-low triple-negative breast cancer in which ATAD2 is overproduced. This team also completed the Schrödinger course on molecular modeling in drug discovery. In addition to presenting their findings at AACR’s annual meeting, the team competed at the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair, where their project placed fourth in the Medicine & Health Sciences category.

No SIR (Self-Identified Race): Critical review of the use of self-identified race as a variable in research

Research conducted by Zion Ngugi and Fanni Ventilla, in collaboration with City of Hope

This project critically reviewed the use of self-identified race as a variable in research. In addition to presenting their findings at AACR’s annual meeting, the team is writing an article that will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal in the coming months. Read about the most recently published papers by AR Biology students.

Tumor microenvironmental signatures associated with low DARC/ACKR1 expression in solid tumors, and potential mechanistic insights

Research conducted by Samuel Lu

This project examined how low levels of the protein DARC/ACKR1 may affect the environment around tumors and influence tumor growth and disease progression. In addition to presenting his findings at AACR’s annual meeting, Samuel competed at the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair, where his project placed second in the Medicine & Health Sciences category and was one of six projects to qualify for the 2026 Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair. Samuel is also considering writing a paper on his results for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

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AR Chemistry

First introduced as Research Science in 2020 and now in its third year as an AR course, AR Chemistry immerses students in scientific exploration and the research process, with a focus on sustainability, under the guidance of Tascha Knowlton. This year’s class of eight seniors took on four research projects, all of which qualified for the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair. The teams also shared their findings at the American Chemical Society’s Spring Meeting in Atlanta, March 22–26.

Combining Soybean-Induced Carbonate Precipitation and Methylcellulose for Dust Suppression in Semi-Arid Agricultural Environments

Research conducted by Asher Orenstein and Samantha Wright

This project explored using soybean-based enzymes and plant-derived binders to create a crust on soil to reduce dust emissions in dry agricultural environments. The project placed first in the Chemistry & Biochemistry category at the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair and was one of four projects from the event to be selected to advance to GENIUS Olympiad, an international high school competition that addresses global environmental challenges across STEM and the creative arts.

Crop-Specific Microbial Biofertilizer for Indian Ricegrass: A Sustainable Strategy to Supplement Alfalfa Cultivation

Research conducted by Cecelia Hyman and Dylan Johnson de Lacy

This project explored whether a natural fertilizer made from beneficial microbes could enhance the growth of Indian ricegrass as a drought-tolerant alternative to alfalfa. The project placed third in the Biology, Microbiology, & Genetics category at the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair.

Developing a Biocomposite Paper Using Biowaste: An Environmentally Friendly Paper Alternative

Research conducted by Nyioe Younten and Rodrigo Zendejas-Portugal

This project explored how biowaste materials could be used as an alternative to wood-based paper pulp. In addition to competing at the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair, the group was selected to present at Sci-Mix, an interdivisional poster event at the American Chemical Society’s Spring Meeting, where they gave an oral presentation for young cellulose researchers in an undergraduate symposium.

Restoring native riparian vegetation in Utah with halophilic rhizobacteria

Research conducted by Cassidy Bahna and Alden Rhodes

This project explored how salt-tolerant bacteria could help restore native plants along Utah’s rivers and streams that have been contaminated by salt-laden leaves from an invasive species. The project received a Scientific Merit award in the Chemistry & Biochemistry category at the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair.

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AR Computational Sciences

Now in its second year, AR Computational Sciences immerses students in interdisciplinary research, with an emphasis on real-world impact, under the guidance of Ben Smith, professional mentors in their areas of interest, and the class’s first mentor in residence, Dr. Brianna Goodale, who worked with them on experimental designs, data collection, and statistical analysis. This year’s class of four seniors and one junior took on five projects.

A Model for the Distribution of Cadmium Interstitials in Cadmium Telluride Photovoltaics

Research by Evan Elkin, with mentorship from Dr. Mike Scarpulla, professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Utah

This project created a model showing the concentration of cadmium interstitials, or extra cadmium atoms, within the microscopic structure of a cadmium telluride–based solar cell. Evan’s project qualified for the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair, where it placed fourth in the Mechanical & Materials Engineering category.

Cross-Domain Sentiment Analysis: Evaluating the Generalization of Transformer-Based Models Across Diverse Real-World Text

Research by Bryce Decker, with mentorship from Dr. Sam Brotherton, director of engineering, AI, and optimization at Yahoo

This project analyzed the real-world applicability of sentiment analysis models (AI tools designed to interpret the tone of written language) by testing how well models trained on different datasets can generalize to diverse real-world contexts. Bryce submitted a paper on his findings to arXiv, an open-access online repository for scientific research papers.

Humanized vs. Dehumanized Opponents in First Person Shooter Games: How Do Different Designs Impact Adolescent Aggression?

Research by Sophia Hijjawi, with mentorship from Dr. Amy Gee, psychology teacher at Rowland Hall, and Brian Birchler, math teacher at Rowland Hall

This project explored whether adolescents behave more or less aggressively toward humanized and dehumanized characters in first-person shooter games. Sophia’s project qualified for the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair, and she plans to submit a paper on her findings to Curieux Academic Journal, an outlet for middle and high school student research.

Scrutinizing Sound: Associations between phonemes and game-provoked emotions

Research by Ezra Storz, with mentorship from Dr. Aniello De Santo, assistant professor in Linguistics at the University of Utah

This project aimed to document an example of sound symbolism—or the idea that certain speech sounds (phonemes) may be associated with emotions and perceptions—using characters’ personalities in a short game experience as stimuli. Ezra’s project qualified for the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair, and he also submitted a paper on his findings to Curieux Academic Journal.

UnFolding Genetic Disorders: Evaluating AlphaFold Metrics on Predicting Pathogenic Missense Mutations

Research by Rayne Weinstein, with mentorship from Tina Marriott, COO at Recursion; Fatima Al-Sudani, lab technician at Huntsman Cancer Institute; and Dr. Justin Bosch, assistant professor in Human Genetics at the University of Utah

This project evaluated new measurement tools for how well they predict whether certain genetic mutations may cause disease. Rayne’s project qualified for the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair, where it placed first in the Biology, Microbiology, & Genetics category and was one of six projects to qualify for the 2026 Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair.

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AR Humanities

AR Humanities immerses students in original historical research on topics of their choice while teaching the craft of the discipline under the guidance of Dr. Nate Kogan. This year’s class of 13 seniors developed independent, publishable-length research papers and presented their work at a formal, in-house conference on December 9, 2025.

Did the Band Break Up?: A Comparative Analysis of the Treatment of Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham in American Media During the 1970s–80s and Its Legacy

Research by Anya Ellahie

This project compared how American media portrayed Fleetwood Mac songwriters Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham in the 1970s and ’80s, highlighting gender bias in coverage and how those portrayals continued to shape their public image.

Divergent Campaign Finance Models in the US and UK: Pluralism and Elite Domination's Influence on Dichotomous Democratic Tenets

Research by Noa Fukushima

This project compared campaign financing systems in the United States and the United Kingdom, exploring how different models influence fairness, equality, and political power in elections.

Examining New Urbanism: Why Urban Planning over the Last Half Decade Has a Lack of Authenticity and Diversity

Research by Gavin Schmidt

This project examined why recent New Urbanist planning can fall short in creating authentic and diverse communities. In addition to presenting at the in-house conference, Gavin contributed his research on New Urbanism and the development of Daybreak, a master-planned community in South Jordan, UT, to the report Liveable Streets and Quality of Life, published by the University of Utah’s Metropolitan Research Center, where he completed an internship in urban planning.

Imagining an Independent Ireland: Irish Myth and Nationalism in the Poems of W. B. Yeats and Patrick Pearse

Research by Kendra Larson

This project examined how Irish poets W. B. Yeats and Patrick Pearse used Irish myth to shape ideas of nationalism and the push for Irish independence. In addition to presenting at the in-house conference, Kendra led a lecture on Patrick Pearse’s poetic techniques and their connections to the Irish independence movement in the Upper School’s Creative Writing class.

Madness Between Medicine and Morality: Cannibalism, Clinical Insanity, and Confucian Critique in Lu Xun’s “Diary of a Madman”

Research by Greta Filippone

This project analyzed Lu Xun’s short story “Diary of a Madman,” exploring how its imagery of cannibalism critiques traditional Confucian values and broader ideas about mental illness and its treatment. In addition to presenting at the in-house conference, Greta led a lecture on Confucianism in the Upper School’s Historical Foundations I class.

Martha’s Vineyard and Historical Amnesia: Reassessing Deaf Erasure in American Public History

Research by Leo Pickron

This project examined the rich history of Martha’s Vineyard’s Deaf community and how it has been erased from the way the island’s history is told today. In addition to presenting at the in-house conference, Leo wrote an editorial, “Stay Present With Vineyard’s Deaf Community,” that was published in the The Vineyard Gazette on December 4, 2025.

Movie Palaces of Escape: How Theaters, Not Films, Offered Relief in the Great Depression

Research by Vivian Turner

This project examined how movie theaters themselves, not just the films they showed, thrived during the Great Depression because they offered people a sense of escape from a time of economic fear and uncertainty.

Performing Femininity: Tradwife Aesthetics and the Reproduction of Patriarchal Gender Roles in the Mormon Church

Research by Ruby Rosh

This project examined how tradwife aesthetics within the Latter-day Saint community are performed on social media and how this is shaping and reinforcing traditional, patriarchal gender roles for women. In addition to presenting at the in-house conference, Ruby wrote an editorial, “From Five-Paragraph Essays to Feminist Analysis: Discovering Research and Exploring Rhetoric in AR Humanities,” that was published in Rowland Hall’s Gazette newspaper. 

The Personal is Political: The Role of Female Confessional Poets in Fueling the Second Wave Feminist Fight for Reproductive Rights in America

Research by Cassidy Bahna

This project examined how female confessional poets—Anne Sexton, Sylvia Plath, Robin Morgan, and Adrienne Rich—used poetry to influence and support the fight for reproductive rights during America’s second wave feminist movement.

Rhythms of the Orishas: Mongo Santamaría’s Stylistic Exploration from Afro-Cuban Batá Beats to American Jazz

Research by Oscar Hochman

This project examined how musician Mongo Santamaría blended traditional Afro-Cuban batá rhythms with American jazz, bringing new rhythm and flavor to the genre. In addition to presenting at the in-house conference, Oscar led a lecture on Santamaría’s rhythmic compositional style in the Upper School’s Jazz Band class. He also led a lecture on Santamaría’s cultural impact in New York’s jazz community in the 1960s and ’70s, as well as the musician’s ties to broader New York–based Afro-Caribbean culture, in English 11 as a connection to that class’s study of Ernesto Quiñonez’s Bodega Dreams.

The Role of a Lifetime: How Media Logic Shapes Celebrity Rhetoric in US Presidential Elections

Research by Baker Campsen

This project examined how the media environments that shape celebrity Republican candidates, specifically Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, influence how these candidates present themselves during presidential elections—and how those performances can shape outcomes more than policy positions.

Seizing Sound: Music as Tactical Resistance in the Black Panther Party, 1969–1971

Research by Imran Ibrahima

This project examined how the Black Panther Party used music, a deeply rooted but often overlooked part of Black culture, as a deliberate form of resistance to spread political messages and reach broader audiences.

World’s Fairs as Immersive Classrooms during Progressive-Era Education: Teaching National Identity to Early 20th-Century Children

Research by Samantha Wright

This project examined how World’s Fairs, specifically the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, functioned as immersive classrooms during the Progressive Era, using education to promote American exceptionalism and shape national identity.

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AR Physics

New for 2025–2026, AR Physics immerses students in original scientific inquiry and the research process under the guidance of Robin Hori and professional mentors. All three projects from the class’s inaugural year qualified for the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair, and all earned awards at the event.

Automated Table Recognition and Data Extraction using Hybrid CNN-YOLO Architecture

Research by Harrison Lasater, with mentorship from Dr. Morteza Fayazi, assistant professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Utah

This project developed an AI system that can automatically identify tables in documents and extract data from them. The project placed fourth in the Electrical & Computer Engineering category at the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair.

Effect of Charon’s Mass in the Stability of the Pluto-Charon System

Research by Kendra Larson, with mentorship from Amaya Sinha, graduate research assistant in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Utah

This project studied how the size of Pluto’s moon Charon affects the stability of the Pluto-Charon system. The project placed third in the Physics, Astronomy, & Math category at the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair.

Predicting Cycling Aerodynamics: Can Statistical Models Replace CFD and Wind Tunnel Testing?

Research by Hans Baker, Jane Borst, and Leo Pickron, with mentorship from Ingmar Jungnickel, aerodynamic engineer at AiRO and Inspire Gold

This project explored whether statistical models can predict cycling aerodynamics as accurately as advanced computer simulations and wind tunnel testing. The project placed second in the Physics, Astronomy, & Math category at the University of Utah Science & Engineering Fair.