By: Anya Gandreti ’26
Pine Crest Assistant Head of Science Research Dr. Katherine Ganden stood in her classroom one morning and watched with anticipation as 10 eager Middle School students bustled around the lab. She strategized about how she would manage their diverse research projects.
But before the bell even rang, something remarkable happened. One student was already slicing fruit samples in the lab to test for pesticides. Another was carefully tending to his mushroom cultures, part of his effort to create sustainable materials. "In that moment," Dr. Ganden recalls, "I realized I could take a step back because it wasn’t about what I could give these students anymore—it was about what they were doing. They were excited, prepared and ready to take charge of their projects."
Moments like this are what make Pine Crest's Science Research Program so impactful. Since 2001, Upper School students have been exploring authentic scientific questions of their own design. The Upper School Science Research Program offers students the flexibility to pursue research through summer internships, university lab partnerships or conducting experiments right on campus. "It's really independent in terms of the topic a student selects," Dr. Ganden. "Some students come in with a clear focus, while others explore different fields until they find what excites them most."
Now, with the program’s recent expansion, Middle School students are experiencing that same excitement for discovery. “After traveling to various research competitions and conferences with our Upper School researchers over the past several years,” said Dr. Ganden, “I recognized that there is a real opportunity for Middle School-aged students to begin to learn the foundations of research. My colleague, Ms. Jennifer Gordinier, Director of Upper School Science Research, agreed that there could be great value in bringing research into the Middle Schools on both campuses. From there, Dr. Lisa Ockerman, Vice President of Academics and Strategic Initiatives, Mr. Joseph Walters ’95, Upper School Head, and both Middle School Division Heads provided their full support for the development of a Middle School program. Very quickly, a lab was constructed for science research on the Boca Raton campus, and I learned that students on the Fort Lauderdale campus would be given access to the Upper School research lab.”
Philanthropy has played a critical role in the expansion of the Science Research program into the Middle Schools on both campuses, particularly with the construction of new labs on both the Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale campuses. “This initiative has been supported by generous donations from our families to support the commitment of advancing scientific research,” said Dr. Lisa Ockerman, Vice President of Academics and Strategic Initiatives. “The state-of-the-art facilities provide our students with access to advanced equipment and technologies, enabling them to conduct more sophisticated experiments and research projects. Middle School students now have the opportunity to engage in hands-on research, which enhances their understanding of scientific concepts. This experience is invaluable for developing problem-solving skills.”
Middle School students follow an age-appropriate version of the Upper School program, designed to match their skill level while still challenging them to ask meaningful questions and explore scientific methods.
"I wanted to introduce students to the research process early," Dr. Ganden said. "By starting in Middle School, they gain experience with identifying a question, designing an experiment and presenting their results. Those skills make their transition to Upper School research much smoother."
While Upper School students may conduct research in university labs or during summer internships, Middle School students focus their efforts on campus. "We have the resources and faculty expertise right here," says Dr. Ganden. "Even though they’re not working in outside labs yet, they’re still connecting with faculty mentors and exploring advanced ideas."
Middle School students also have opportunities to present their research. Boca Raton students presented their projects at the Palm Beach County Science and Engineering Fair, while Fort Lauderdale students showcased their work at the Broward County Science and Engineering Fair in January. Eight students are now advancing to the state competition. "Our students are incredible presenters," says Dr. Ganden. "They communicated their ideas confidently and clearly."
For Dr. Ganden, one of the greatest rewards has been watching students embrace the process. "There’s so much you can do with a background in science," she says. "I want my students to see that science isn’t just about becoming a doctor or an astronaut. There are so many ways science can shape their futures and make an impact."
By fostering independence, curiosity, and problem-solving, Pine Crest’s Science Research Program is preparing the next generation of innovators—starting earlier than ever before. Looking ahead, Dr. Ganden envisions expanding the Middle School program even further. "I hope to increase participation so that more students have this opportunity," she says. "The skills they gain here—critical thinking, time management, and perseverance—will serve them well in high school, college, and beyond."
