2008 Southern New England Regional
Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When will you mail JSHS information to high schools this year?
A: We will mail a postcard to all high schools in the fall with information about the JSHS program as well as other outreach programs at BU in 2008. All information regarding the symposium can be found on this site.

Q: Is there flexibility with the deadlines?
A: Boston University will be as flexible as possible to accommodate any late submissions. However, please be advised that all procedures and most deadlines are guided by the national JSHS office.

Q: Why do we have to submit a form stating our school intents to attend?
A: Determining the proper number of volunteer reviewers/judges needed to read abstracts and research papers is essential to the success of this type of event. It is crucial for the host institution to know how many abstracts will need to be reviewed as early as possible so that we can recruit the appropriate number of volunteers. Please mail or fax the form as soon as you think your school will attend so that we can properly prepare for the event.

Q: What is an abstract and why do you need it so early?
A: An abstract is a brief synopsis of your research project (200 words or less). The abstract form and abstract must be submitted on time in order to allow our reviewers ample time to review, score and return them to the regional office.

Q: Who reviews our work and will they know anything about me before the event?
A: Our reviewers are faculty members from area colleges and universities and other professionals in the world of science. All abstracts and research papers are reviewed with all individual identifying information removed.

Q: What is the abstract review process?
A: Abstracts are scored by a panel of reviewers. The 30 abstracts with the highest scores are then notified and are asked to submit a full research paper.

Q: How are the research papers reviewed?
A: Like the abstract review, the papers are read, scored, and ranked by the reviewers in order to determine the 10 students who will give oral presentations.

Q: How long should the oral presentation be?
A: Each presenter is given 15 minutes—12 minutes for presentation and 3 minutes for questions and answers. If you are selected for an oral presentation, detailed guidelines are provided on the JSHS website.

Q: What if I complete a research paper, but I am not selected to give an oral presentation?
A: If your paper is not one of the top 10 selected for an oral presentation, you will be given the opportunity to present your work during the poster session on Saturday afternoon. The poster session presentations are also judged and prizes are awarded.

Q: How do I submit my poster and how will it be judged?
A: Students submit their posters at registration the morning of the symposium. Posters should be mounted on 30"x40" foam board prior to arriving at the event. Students are expected to stand with their poster in the afternoon during the poster session so that the Judges can ask you to describe your research and findings. The Judges will then confer and select a first, second and third place winner. Prizes will be awarded during the awards dinner.

Q: How are the winners of the oral presentation selected?
A: Following all 10 oral presentations, the Judges will meet to determine the top five presenters and two alternates.

Q: What is the prize for the top five oral presenters?
A: An expense-paid trip to the National JSHS in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Q: What is the prize for the top three oral presenters?
A: A total of $4,500 in undergraduate tuition scholarships awarded at $2000 (1st place), $1500 (2nd place), and $1000 (3rd place). If you are one of the regional finalists, the scholarship will be payable to your college/university upon matriculation and upon meeting the JSHS scholarship conditions.

Q: What is the prize for the top two oral presenters?
A: An invitation to present their original research investigation at the National JSHS.

Q: When/Where is the 2008 National JSHS symposium?
A: The 2007 National JSHS symposium was held May 2-6, 2007 in Huntsville, Alabama. The 2008 location/dates is yet to be announced. It is recommended that all students who are selected to give an oral presentation determine if they can attend the national event before arriving at the regional symposium. If any of the top five presenters are not able to attend the national symposium, the alternates will be given the opportunity to attend.

Q: Why should I attend the national symposium if I’m not presenting?
A: The National symposium brings together over 360 participants in a program of educational and scientific exchange. As a member of the regional delegation, all travel and hotel expenses are paid by the national organization. You will meet leading researchers, attend tours of major research facilities, be able to get ideas for honing your own research/get tips, and meet other student-scientists. It’s a wonderful opportunity.


GENERAL EVENT FAQs

Hotel
The JSHS will reimburse one night’s stay for those who live 50 miles or more for Boston. A credit card is required to reserve a room as deposit for incidentals and any additional nights.

Meals
A continental breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided on Saturday, March 3rd. If you or anyone in your delegation requires a specially prepared meal or has a food allergy, please email at engineering@bu.edu us by February 23rd so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Parking
Boston University will provide parking for all JSHS participants and guests at the University Road parking lot located at the corner of Commonwealth Avenue and University Road. A detailed map of the campus with the parking location will be provided with your confirmation materials for your convenience or you can visit www.bu.edu/visit to download a map now.

Photographs
Photographers will be at the symposium throughout the day to take pictures of the participants. The photographs are used for office publications and website.

Teachers/Chaperones
It is expected that a teacher or school chaperone will accompany all students who attend the symposium on the day of the event.

Dress
Casual business attire is appropriate: slacks/skirts, comfortable shoes, appropriate shirts/sweaters.