
Partnership for Scientific Inquiry
Partnership for Scientific Inquiry

The annual PSI Conference was held on August 12th at Oregon Health & Science University, which brought together students, mentors, families, and supporters to celebrate a summer of learning, discovery, and research. The in-person conference was supported by the Vollum Institute and the OHSU Neuro-Oncology Blood-Brain Barrier Program. This milestone event showcased student achievements, including poster presentations, lightning talks, and awards recognizing outstanding contributions.
The conference featured:








Ahead of the in-person gathering, PSI hosted a virtual conference on August 3, 2026 to ensure all students could share their work regardless of location or summer commitments. The live event took place online, with judging and Q&A conducted in real time.

The inaugural in-person 2025 PSI Conference, held on August 20th at Oregon Health & Science University, brought together students, mentors, families, and supporters to celebrate a summer of learning, discovery, and research. The in-person conference was supported by the Vollum Institute and the OHSU Neuro-Oncology Blood-Brain Barrier Program. This milestone event marked the first time the PSI community gathered in person to showcase student achievements, including poster presentations, lightning talks, and awards recognizing outstanding contributions.
The conference featured:




Vrasti Jain
Vrasti's mom, Sofia (PSI director), and Vrasti proudly showcasing her many well-earned awards.
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Misha Nasarpuri
Misha receiving best poster (third place) award alongside Sofia (PSI director) and Dr. Barajas.
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Ahead of the in-person gathering, PSI hosted a virtual conference on August 6, 2025 to ensure all students could share their work regardless of location or summer commitments. The live event took place online, with judging and Q&A conducted in real time. Read more by clicking on the student's name.

The 2024 Virtual PSI Conference, held on August 14th, showcased the impressive research of our PSI students through a series of lightning talks and poster presentations. As a cornerstone event of the PSI program, this event highlights the dedication and talent of high school students as they explore the world of biomedical research. Beyond celebrating their hard work, the conference provides invaluable feedback from experienced researchers who serve as judges, fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth. View the Full Agenda to learn more about the event's schedule and the students' remarkable projects.
Best Lightning Talk

Lewis Scholar
Lily Crow
Lily Crow (PSI Student; left) and Sofia Vignolo (PSI Program Coordinator; right) at TERMIS 2024
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The American Society for Human Genetics (ASHG) sponsors an essay writing contest for high school students. The winners are announced each year on National DNA Day. The PSI program has submitted student essays to this contest since 2010. Kudos to the PSI students listed below who have received recognition!
2nd Place: Patreece Suen
Teacher: Richard Rosenbaum
School: Tualatin High School, Oregon Health & Science University, Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program
Honorable Mention: Jiahui Zhang
Teacher: Richard Rosenbaum
School: Lincoln High School, Oregon Health & Science University, Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program
Honorable Mention: David Quin
Teacher: Richard Rosenbaum
School: Lake Oswego High School, Oregon Health & Science University, Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program
2nd Place: Sagan Ghim
Teacher: Tammy Martin & Richard Rosenbaum
School: Wilson High School, Oregon Health & Science University, Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program
Honorable Mention: Zanzan Brink
Teacher: Richard Rosenbaum
School: Oregon Health & Science University, Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program
Honorable Mention: Arjun Somayazulu
Teacher: Richard Rosenbaum
School: Oregon Health & Science University, Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program
Honorable Mention: Emma Gurcan
Teacher: Tammy Martin
School: Oregon Health & Science University, Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program
Honorable Mention: Claire Ku
Teacher: DreeAnna Morris
School: Oregon Health & Science University, Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program
Honorable Mention: Jonas Schwab
Teacher: DreeAnna Morris
School: Oregon Health & Science University, Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program
Honorable Mention: Kevin Lei
Teacher: Hayleigh Ast
School: Oregon Health & Science University, Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Program