Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy: DigitalCommons@IMSANot a member yet
9795 research outputs found
Sort by
Synthesis of Potential Therapeutics for Mycetoma
Mycetoma is a prevalent infectious disease commonly found in tropical regions. It has been difficult to find treatment because the current options include things such as limited therapeutic options, prolonged treatment durations, and drug resistance issues. To solve this and synthesize the final products, we added the amine (4-methylpiperidine) to the chloride (3- [chloro(4-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)methyl]pyridine) to make Compound 1. To make Compound 2 we added the amine (4-ethylpiperidine) to the chloride (3- [chloro(4-chloro-2- fluorophenyl)methyl]pyridine). For compound 3 we added the amine (piperidine) to the chloride 3-[chloro(4-chloro-2- fluorophenyl)methyl]pyridine. The compounds then went through a 48-hour reaction, were cooled, and then partitioned between dichloromethane and a saturated aqueous sodium carbonate solution. The organic phases were washed, dried, filtered, and concentrated to obtain a crude product and then purified. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 were successfully synthesized and showed promising data in our tests. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 exhibited favorable physicochemical attributes, warranting sustained inquiry for their potential role in advancing as a novel therapeutic modality for Mycetoma
Improving Clinical Accuracy and False Alarm Sensitivity of Tonic-Clonic Seizure Predictors
Machine learning applications in diagnosing and predicting seizure symptoms among high-risk patients are critical to prevent life-threatening injuries. Despite existing research achieving near-perfect accuracies in controlled environments, existing models often falter in clinical settings and wearable devices, resulting in high false alarm rates and lower prediction success for Tonic-Clonic seizures. The OpenSeizureDatabase has revolutionized training models by incorporating previously unavailable false-alarm data and prediction failures of seizure predictors. To address these challenges, I conducted a comprehensive data analysis, and using novel machine learning techniques, I have employed a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to achieve an 88% predictive accuracy. This new model aims to enhance both false alarm reduction and the detection of previously missed seizures. This research places emphasis on the practicality of deploying machine learning models in their intended use in clinical settings, while representing a significant advancement in improving the performance of seizure prediction models. Shifting focus of diagnostic machine learning models to accuracy in clinical environments is essential for enhancing high-risk patient safety and care
Mechanic Intern
Fluid Motor Union (FMU) is a luxury automotive service and maintenance shop based in Naperville IL. They focus on maintaining, repairing, and upgrading high-end vehicles for their loyal customers around the area. The project\u27s initial idea was to get hands-on experience with different cars to expand my knowledge on the topic. Over these last 6 months, I have done projects, such as replacing a transmission, fabricating a new exhaust system, pulling an engine, rebuilding an engine, and many more. I was even able to bring my own vehicle to work on. I have learned more about automotive mechanics than I could have ever imagined and this internship has grown my love for cars exponentially
Strengthening Cybersecurity and Linux Integration
During my Internship at the Illinois State Treasury Office, I got in contact with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to conduct a vulnerability scan that they offer. This scan revealed potential vulnerabilities within the office\u27s infrastructure and proposed solutions to mitigate risks effectively. By addressing these vulnerabilities, we fortified the organization\u27s resilience against cyber threats. Simultaneously, I researched the integration of Linux systems into the existing framework of the State Treasury Office. This research encompassed evaluating compatibility requirements, security protocols, and performance optimization strategies. By optimizing the integration of Linux systems, we aimed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency while maintaining robust cybersecurity measures throughout the transition. The most impactful outcome was improving cybersecurity and researching the integration of Linux systems, ensuring better efficiency and security at the State Treasury Office
Extending the Meaning of Accessible Housing in DuPage County
TORCH Architecture is an Architecture firm from Naperville, Illinois. TORCH has completed a wide range of projects, but a majority of the projects that I have aided them with were their commercial projects, specifically car dealerships. There is an extensive revision process for every building permit at the end of a project, so I worked with colleagues to write response letters to city reviewers to ensure the revision process happens as smoothly as possible. As I progressed in knowledge, a formal project was transferred to me. The goal of the project was to design a Habitat for Humanity, also known as HFH (a nonprofit organization that provides low-income housing to those in need), home that produced a minimum monthly operating cost. This included design decisions with the intent to preserve the use of air conditioning, heat, gas, and electricity. Additionally, the goal of this home was environmental awareness, where carbon emissions were minimized by design. Designing this home happened alongside HFH guidelines so that this project may be considered for HFH in DuPage County. My mentor, Rob Costello, is a board member for DuPage HFH, so he has been working tirelessly with the organization to ensure this project’s success
Protecting Reproductive Autonomy
Abortion is a procedure to end a pregnancy, there are two types of abortion: Medication abortion, which uses medicines to end the pregnancy, and procedural abortion, a procedure to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Since the overturning of Roe V Wade in 2022, states in the United States have put multiple different bans on abortions and as of 2024, 14 states have outright banned abortion and 11 others have placed gestational limits. . This leads to AFAB people attempting to get abortions in unsafe ways. The states that have limited access to abortion (e.g. gestational age limits, ultrasound requirements, mandatory counseling and waiting periods, insurance coverage limitations, and targeted regulations on abortion providers) had a 7% increase in total maternal mortality compared to states with significantly less. Our bill serves as a proposal to amend the right to reproductive autonomy in the constitution. This bill would ideally be sponsored by a member of Congress. It will specify the right for people assigned female at birth to have the right over their own reproductive health. This will keep it so that the states can’t take away things like abortions up to the third trimester, they cannot limit contraceptives and other methods to protect reproductive health and abortion rights
Is Food Waste a Problem at IMSA?
Food waste is a concern about IMSA, especially given many of us are highschoolers and often thought of as messier. How often do people throw away good food at Lexington? Where does the excess food go from Lexington? How can we help remedy this problem
Recipient of the 2024 Alumni Trailblazer Award
Jessica is the CEO of Impact Engine, an investment firm with a mission to bring more capital to a market where financial returns are linked to positive social and environmental impacts. Impact Engine manages venture capital and private equity strategies that invest in transformative for-profit, positive-impact funds and businesses.
For Jessica, investing for social good is more than just a business model; it’s a philosophy guiding the decision to invest only in companies that demonstrate a commitment to economic and social returns. This approach, she believes, is good for society and good for business.
Before Impact Engine, Jessica created McDonald’s Corporation’s global and U.S. sustainable sourcing strategies. At McDonald’s, she enabled the integration of ethical, environmental, and economic sustainability across all food and packaging sourcing. Jessica also worked in urban economic development through the City Advisory Practice at the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City.
Jessica holds a BA in Public Policy from Haverford College, an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, and an MPA from the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. She has co-authored two Harvard University case studies on public-private partnerships. She also serves as a board member for the Metropolitan Planning Council, the Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation at Chicago Booth, and Fixer. Crain’s Chicago Business named her to its list of 40 Under 40 in 2013, and she served as a 2014 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow.
She lives in Chicago with her husband (IMSA ’95) and three children
2024 Convocation
Welcome: Ms. Katie Berger, Chief Student Affairs Officer
Pledge of Allegiance and student welcome: EmmaLi Isham ‘25, Student Council president.
Opening Remarks :Dr. Evan M. Glazer, President
Special Address :Mr.Martin Torres, Deputy Governor
Featured Musical Selection :“Violin Concerto No. 1” by Max Bruch
Keynote Address :Dr. Michael Hancock ‘89
Closing Remarks: Dr. Angela Rowley, Principal and Chief Academic Office