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Cohoes High showcases student research at annual science symposium with RPI astrobiologist keynote
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Summary
Cohoes High School held its annual science symposium where five seniors presented yearlong projects and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute associate professor Karen Rogers delivered a keynote on laboratory simulations of early-Earth environments and astrobiology.
Cohoes High School students presented five senior research projects and heard a keynote on astrobiology during the school’s annual science symposium.
The symposium gave seniors a public forum to present multi-year research projects and included a keynote by Karen Rogers, associate professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, who described laboratory work that recreates early-Earth environments to study the chemical steps toward life.
The event matters because it highlights sustained student research—several projects described multi‑year programs and external mentorship—and it showcased a researcher who works on high‑pressure, high‑temperature laboratory systems that simulate hydrothermal vents and impact craters, linking local education to active scientific inquiry.
Rogers told the audience she and her lab “literally try and build all of those things in the lab,” describing devices that reach “up to a thousand times surface pressure” and temperatures “up to 300 degrees.” She said the lab grows hydrothermal chimneys and builds flow‑through systems to study how organic molecules behave under varying temperatures and pressures.
Students described their projects afterward. Presentations included research on 3D‑printed lower‑limb prosthetics, the stability of prebiotic molecules in impact‑generated hydrothermal systems, perceptions of mental illness and criminality, groovability in music, and eye‑movement techniques to reduce academic stress. Faculty and mentors from local colleges, including Rensselaer and Union College, supported several projects.
Principal Laura (identified in the program as the school’s principal) opened the event by framing the symposium as a “wonderful culminating event” that allows students to “reflect on years of research.” Michael Posco, the program teacher, described the class as a multiyear commitment in which students read peer‑reviewed articles, contact researchers and ultimately design and run original projects.
Organizers said the class is a three‑year research program; five students presented as seniors. Posters and student displays were available after the presentations and refreshments were provided in a vestibule area so attendees could ask students questions about methods and results.
The symposium concluded with recognition of the student presenters and a request that the community continue to support the school’s research program.
