We are proud to announce that three outstanding students, Emily Hirsch (Class of '26), Alicia Ho (Class of '26), and Miley Kohli (Class of '27), were selected as finalists in the highly competitive Junior Scientists and Young Explorers Meta (JYEM) Competition this past summer. The event, hosted by faculty and alumni from top-tier universities, recognizes young minds who embody the spirit of exploration through scholarly and creative inquiry. Each finalist demonstrated exceptional curiosity, originality, and a commitment to delving deeply into thought-provoking topics that embrace the core values of the JYEM: open-ended discovery, innovative thinking, and intellectual adventure.

Each of the three finalists explored a unique and compelling topic that reflects their curiosity and dedication to scholarly inquiry. Emily examined the evolution in clown depictions between 1921 and 2025, alongside its subsequent influence on youth perceptions. Alicia analyzed how Big Five personality traits relate to an individual's susceptibility to believing conspiracy theories. Finally, Miley investigated the ways media bias, vulnerability and skepticism shape how people understand worldwide developments. Their recognition highlights their individual achievement and underscores the importance of nurturing inquisitive, exploratory thinking.