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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Montgomery, AL – February 28, 2025 – The Alabama Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Paper Reading Competition, held at Troy University in Montgomery on February 27-28. These outstanding high school scholars have demonstrated exceptional scientific research and communication skills, earning scholarships and the opportunity to represent Alabama at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) in Chantilly, Virginia, from April 22-26, 2025.

2025 AJAS Paper Reading Competition Winners:

• 1st Place: Prisha Sharma – Awarded a $2,000 scholarship from JSHS. Prisha will be Oral Presenter #1 at the National JSHS.
• 2nd Place: Aanchal Behara – Awarded a $1,500 scholarship from JSHS. Aanchal will be Oral Presenter #2 at the National JSHS.
• 3rd Place: Ashu Anand – Awarded a $1,000 scholarship from JSHS. Ashu will be Poster Presenter #1 at the National JSHS.
• 4th Place: Manisha Bommu – Awarded a $500 scholarship from the Alabama Academy of Science (AAS). Manisha will be Poster Presenter #2 at the National JSHS.
• 5th Place: Rania Masrit – Rania will be Poster Presenter #3 at the National JSHS.

The Alabama Junior Academy of Science serves as the high school outreach program of the Alabama Academy of Science, engaging 9th-12th grade students in rigorous scientific inquiry and competition. Participation in the AJAS Paper Reading Competition qualifies students to compete in the Alabama Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), which selects the top five students to advance to the National JSHS. The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium is a prestigious program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, along with the Army, Navy, and Air Force, offering students scholarships, summer internships, and research opportunities.

The 63rd National JSHS event will take place in Chantilly, VA, near Dulles Airport, with travel fully funded by the national office. Alabama’s top five winners, along with two faculty representatives, will join elite students from across the country in presenting their research at this esteemed national forum.

For more information about the Alabama Junior Academy of Science and the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, visit www.jshs.org.

Media Contact:

Dr. Mark Jones
Director, Alabama Junior Academy of Science
jonesmt@troup.org

ONE-HUNDRED & THIRD (1023rd) ANNUAL MEETING
of the
ALABAMA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE, INC.

At Faulkner University, Montgomery, AL

February 27 and 28, 2026!

The Alabama Academy of Science is excited to share opportunities for members interested in advancing biology education research. The Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research (SABER) offers an array of initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive teaching and professional development in the field.

Biology Education Research Webinar Series

One of SABER’s key initiatives is the Biology Education Research Webinar Series, sponsored by Broaden SABER. This monthly series provides insights into inclusive teaching practices, with each webinar lasting one hour and followed by an optional 30-minute learning community discussion. These sessions are open to all, free of charge, and do not require registration.

The next seminar will take place on Thursday, March 20, at 11 AM CT. Attending these webinars, particularly participating in the learning communities, can lead to eligibility for a free SABER membership. Details can be found at saberbio.org/BER-seminar-series.

Opportunities Through Broaden SABER

SABER, through the Broaden SABER project, also offers:

• Travel Grants and Networking Support: For those interested in attending the SABER Annual Meeting (July 10–13, 2025, at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities), these grants provide financial assistance to engage with leading researchers and educators in undergraduate biology education.
• Visiting Co-PI Initiative: This initiative funds on-campus seminars and workshops led by a co-PI from the Broaden SABER project at no cost to the hosting institution, allowing for direct engagement with cutting-edge research in biology education.

Stay Connected

To stay updated on these opportunities and more, we encourage you to join the SABER mailing list. Sign up using the SABER Interest Form to receive updates about programs, events, and research advancements.

We hope that members of the Alabama Academy of Science will take advantage of these valuable resources to further their engagement with the biology education research community!

For more information, visit the SABER website at saberbio.org or contact Dr. Samiksha Raut, Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, at sraut@uab.edu.

Congratulations to our outstanding students who have won Paper and Poster presentation awards at the 2025 AAS Meeting at Troy University.