Students collaborating on a research-driven community initiative

Impact

Research Publications & Outputs

Verified Published Research

These research articles have been published on external journal platforms. Journal and DOI links are provided where available for independent verification.

- 2026 -

Using Water as a Solvent to Extract Betalains From Beet

Author(s): Timothy Park, Junehuk Lee, Irene Kim, Peter Seok, Ryan Kim, Jennifer Na, Trevor Kim, and Ezra Kim

PublishedJournal: Curieux ReviewYear: 2026

Published in Curieux Review, 2026

Read the Published Paper →

Description: A student research team investigated how solvent polarity affects the extraction of betalain pigments from beet. By comparing heptane, isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, and water, the study found that highly polar water produced the strongest betalain extraction, supporting the relationship between molecular polarity and extraction efficiency.

ConnectSTEM Student Mentor: Timothy Park

Increasing solubility of Fungicide Chlorothalonil Using sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate

Author(s): Sophia Lee

PublishedJournal: American Journal of Student ResearchYear: 2026

DOI: 10.70251/HYJR2348.41176183

View Published Article

An In-Vitro Disk Diffusion Comparison Study of Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Salt: Application of Salt in Oral Treatments

Author(s): Jane Hong, Francis Hong, Jaehee Kim, Michelle Tan, Brooke Yu, Rebecca Tang

PublishedJournal: American Journal of Student ResearchYear: 2026

DOI: 10.70251/HYJR2348.42406412

View Published Article

Solubilization of Benzyl Acetate by Polysorbate 80: A Thin Layer Chromatography Study

Author(s): Kacey Song, Hyoju Kim, Audrey Lee

PublishedJournal: American Journal of Student ResearchYear: 2026

DOI: 10.70251/HYJR2348.42110114

View Published Article

Evaporation-Driven Electricity Generation Using Nanocarbon-Coated Fabrics

Author(s): Andrew Han, Eileen Pak, Kihyun Lee

PublishedJournal: American Journal of Student ResearchYear: 2026

DOI: 10.70251/HYJR2348.43186190

View Published Article

CONFERENCE PRESENTATION

From Publication to Scientific Presentation

This research project was also presented by Andrew Han as a scientific poster at the 30th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference.

Student Presenter:: Andrew Han
Conference Poster:: “Electricity Generation from Water Evaporation Using Carbon-Coated Fabric”
Conference:: 30th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference
Format:: Conference poster presentation

Andrew Han presenting a scientific poster at the 30th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference.

RESEARCH → PUBLICATION → CONFERENCE PRESENTATION → SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION

Using Acid/Base with AHAPTMOS to Control the Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Character of Silicon Wafers

Author(s): Taehong Kim, Jiaen Wang, Jose Jimenez, Judy Song, Yechan Park

PublishedJournal: American Journal of Student ResearchYear: 2026

DOI: 10.70251/HYJR2348.42504510

View Published Article

Degradation of bifenthrin insecticide by controlling pH and temperature

Author(s): Audrey Lee, Lia Choi, Eileen Pak, Christopher Fang, Bonmin Gu, Ryan Lee, Rebecca Tang

PublishedJournal: New Frontiers in Biology, Medicine, and Chemistry (Press Journals)Year: 2026

DOI: 10.63129/SNVJ8907

View Published Article

Research Journey

This publication led to a broader research trajectory and external collaboration.

See the KOAT Collaboration

Assessment of Commercial Camellia Seed Extract for Reducing Visible Benzyl Acetate Separation in Water

Author(s): Gurnho Park, David Lee, Daniel Suh, Francis Hong, Olivia Suh, Jane Hong

PublishedJournal: American Journal of Student ResearchYear: 2026

DOI: 10.70251/HYJR2348.44630635

View Published Article

- 2025 -

Changing the surface properties of the backside of a silicon wafer to repel oil and prevent particle binding

Author(s): Choi, Grace et al.

PublishedJournal: Journal of Emerging InvestigatorsYear: 2025

DOI: 10.59720/24-093

View Published Article

Coating drierite with methylene blue for oxygen indication

Author(s): Gina Kim et al.

PublishedJournal: NHSJS ReportsYear: 2025

DOI not listed on the published article page.

View Published Article

Research Provenance

This research project was conducted through ConnectSTEM's student research program and was subsequently developed into a published research article.

Published in the National High School Journal of Science.

CONNECTSTEM RESEARCH COHORT

Gina Kim et al.

ConnectSTEM ResearchExperimental DevelopmentManuscriptPublished Research

Research Journey

RESEARCH → IMPACT → LEADERSHIP

This research helped inspire the creation of STEAM Labs International. The project demonstrated how scientific concepts such as material response and visible color change could be translated into engaging, hands-on STEM learning experiences. That idea expanded beyond the original research project into a broader educational organization where students could develop and deliver hands-on science and engineering activities.

From Research to Organization

STEAM Labs International grew into a student-led STEM education organization, creating opportunities for experienced ConnectSTEM students and alumni to apply their research experience through educational programs, team leadership, and community outreach.

Leadership Continuation

Five ConnectSTEM alumni now serve as Directors at STEAM Labs International, helping lead programs, teams, and the organization’s continued development.

Mentorship in Action

Hailey Gu, a ConnectSTEM alumna and current STEAM Labs International Director, now mentors younger student researchers as they develop new scientific projects and manuscripts.

Explore STEAM Labs International

Using heptane to extract almond oil

Author(s): Park, Jayden et al.

PublishedJournal: Journal of Emerging InvestigatorsYear: 2025

DOI: 10.59720/24-215

View Published Article

Effects of Various Disinfectants for Algae Control in Hydroponic Nutrient Solution

Author(s): Annice Han

PublishedJournal: American Journal of Student ResearchYear: 2025

DOI: 10.70251/HYJR2348.36494500

View Published Article

- 2024 -

Converting SiO2 wafers to hydrophobic using chlorotrimethylsilane

Author(s): Sophia Lee et al.

PublishedJournal: Journal of Emerging InvestigatorsYear: 2024

DOI: 10.59720/23-100

View Published Article

Research in Review

Submitted Manuscripts

Ongoing ConnectSTEM research that has progressed from project development and manuscript preparation to external journal submission.

Submission indicates that a manuscript has been formally submitted for external journal consideration. It does not imply acceptance or publication.

Comparing Trimethylsilanol with Other Silanol Compounds for Coating Silica Surface

SubmittedJournal: OJSS

Manuscript Title:: Comparing Trimethylsilanol with Other Silanol Compounds for Coating Silica Surface
First Author(s):: Audrey Lee
Research Area:: Silica Surface Chemistry / Materials Chemistry
Journal:: OJSS
Status:: Submitted

The Usage of PolyDADMAC for Controlling Oral Bacteria

SubmittedJournal: AJOSR

Manuscript Title:: The Usage of PolyDADMAC for Controlling Oral Bacteria
First Author(s):: Hailey Gu
Research Area:: PolyDADMAC / Antimicrobial Chemistry
Journal:: AJOSR
Status:: Submitted

The Current Development, Trends, and Challenges of Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFO) for Rehabilitation

Resubmitted — Second RevisionJournal: OJSS

Manuscript Title:: The Current Development, Trends, and Challenges of Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFO) for Rehabilitation
First Author(s):: Audrey Lee
Research Area:: Ankle Exoskeleton / Rehabilitation Engineering
Journal:: OJSS
Status:: Resubmitted — Second Revision

Recent Synthesis Approaches for Silica Nanoparticles Using the Sol-Gel Method

Resubmitted After RevisionJournal: OJSS

Manuscript Title:: Recent Synthesis Approaches for Silica Nanoparticles Using the Sol-Gel Method
First Author(s):: Sophia Lee
Research Area:: Silica Nanoparticles / Materials Chemistry
Journal:: OJSS
Status:: Resubmitted After Revision

Glow Paint Research

Under Revision After Initial SubmissionJournal: JEI

Manuscript Title:: Glow Paint Research
First Author(s):: Jenny W.
Research Area:: Luminescent Materials / Glow Paint
Journal:: JEI
Status:: Under Revision After Initial Submission

Using Water as a Solvent to Extract Betalains From Beet

Accepted for PublicationJournal: Curieux Review

Manuscript Title:: Using Water as a Solvent to Extract Betalains From Beet
First Author(s):: Timothy Park
Research Area:: Beet Extraction / Natural Pigments
Journal:: Curieux Review
Status:: Accepted for Publication

Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) as a Substitute for Converting Methylene Blue into Leucomethylene Blue

Under RevisionJournal: AJOSR

Manuscript Title:: Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) as a Substitute for Converting Methylene Blue into Leucomethylene Blue
First Author(s):: Woojoo Park
Research Area:: PolyDADMAC / Methylene Blue Chemistry
Journal:: AJOSR
Status:: Under Revision

Frankincense Research

Under Revision After Reviewer FeedbackJournal: OJSS

Manuscript Title:: Frankincense Research
First Author(s):: Sophia Lee and Daniel Suh
Research Area:: Frankincense
Journal:: OJSS
Status:: Under Revision After Reviewer Feedback

Creating Natural Paint Through Gardenia Fruit Extraction

Accepted for PublicationJournal: NHSJS

Manuscript Title:: Creating Natural Paint Through Gardenia Fruit Extraction
First Author(s):: Sara Zhao and Siho Chung
Research Area:: Natural Paint / Gardenia Fruit Extraction
Journal:: NHSJS
Status:: Accepted for Publication

To Analyze Effectiveness of Oil Removal on Plate

ResubmittedJournal: JRHS

Manuscript Title:: To Analyze Effectiveness of Oil Removal on Plate
First Author(s):: Yonu Lee
Research Area:: Goniometer / Oil Removal
Journal:: JRHS
Status:: Resubmitted

Phosphoric Acid Leading to Silicon Dioxide

Under RevisionJournal: NHSJS

Manuscript Title:: Phosphoric Acid Leading to Silicon Dioxide
First Author(s):: Taehong Kim
Research Area:: Semiconductor / Silicon Dioxide
Journal:: NHSJS
Status:: Under Revision

Relationship Between Financial Stress and Young Adults' Psychological Distress

SubmittedJournal: AJOSR

Manuscript Title:: Relationship Between Financial Stress and Young Adults' Psychological Distress
First Author(s):: Eileen Pak and Grace Lim
Research Area:: Economics / Psychology
Journal:: AJOSR
Status:: Submitted

Gardenia Fruit Extraction

Submitted — Awaiting ReviewJournal: Curieux Review

Manuscript Title:: Gardenia Fruit Extraction
First Author(s):: Yejin Cho, Jeemin, and Jayden
Research Area:: Gardenia Fruit Extraction
Journal:: Curieux Review
Status:: Submitted — Awaiting Review

Scientific Communication

Research Shared Beyond the Journal

ConnectSTEM encourages students to communicate their research beyond manuscript publication when appropriate. Scientific presentations allow young researchers to explain their methods, findings, limitations, and ideas to broader scientific audiences.

Featured Conference Presentation

Andrew Han

Scientific Poster Presentation

Research project:: Evaporation-Driven Electricity Generation Using Nanocarbon-Coated Fabrics
Conference poster:: “Electricity Generation from Water Evaporation Using Carbon-Coated Fabric”
Event:: 30th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference
Presenter:: Andrew Han
Year:: 2026

The conference poster represents a related scientific communication output from the same underlying research project that resulted in the published journal article.

RESEARCH → PUBLICATION → CONFERENCE PRESENTATION → SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION

The poster title and journal article title are distinct outputs from the same research project, preserved here as separate records of the research progression.

External Engagement & Recognition

Research Shared, Tested, and Recognized Beyond ConnectSTEM

Student development at ConnectSTEM can extend beyond manuscript publication into scientific communication, university outreach, external competitions, community initiatives, and independent recognition. These examples document selected outcomes beyond ConnectSTEM’s own internal programs. They do not imply that every student receives external recognition.

University Outreach

STEAMM Into 2026 Conference — UCLA

ConnectSTEM participated as a confirmed Resource Fair organization at the STEAMM Into 2026 Conference hosted by UCLA EAOP and UCLA MEDPEP. ConnectSTEM students shared research and educational opportunities with students and families attending the event.

Event:: STEAMM Into 2026 Conference
Hosts:: UCLA EAOP and UCLA MEDPEP
Participation:: Resource Fair Participant
Date:: January 31, 2026
Location:: Geffen Hall, UCLA

STUDENT RESEARCH → PUBLIC COMMUNICATION → UNIVERSITY OUTREACH

ConnectSTEM students participating in the STEAMM Into 2026 Conference Resource Fair hosted by UCLA EAOP and UCLA MEDPEP.

Participation in this event does not constitute a formal UCLA partnership or endorsement.

Organizational Recognition

Gold Impact Award — 2026 USA Youth Leadership Summit

STEAM Labs International received the Gold Impact Award at the 2026 USA Youth Leadership Summit, providing external recognition of the organization’s youth-led STEM education and community-impact work.

RESEARCH → ORGANIZATION → COMMUNITY IMPACT → EXTERNAL RECOGNITION → ALUMNI LEADERSHIP

For ConnectSTEM, this recognition represents a later stage in a research-to-impact pathway: student research that helped inspire an educational organization, community programs developed around that work, and students who continued as alumni leaders.

STEAM Labs International with the Gold Impact Award at the 2026 USA Youth Leadership Summit.

The Gold Impact Award was received by STEAM Labs International, not ConnectSTEM directly.

Student External STEM Recognition

Research and Scientific Curiosity Recognized Beyond the Program

ConnectSTEM students also pursue science fairs, scientific competitions, and independent STEM opportunities outside ConnectSTEM. The examples below represent selected external recognition documented through award materials.

These competitions are external student achievements, not awards issued by ConnectSTEM.

Taehoon Noh

2nd Place — Senior Division Chemistry

Event:: 68th Annual Region II Science and Engineering Fair
Recognizing institution:: University of South Carolina Center for Science Education
Date:: March 8, 2024

Taehoon Noh received Second Place in the Senior Division Chemistry category at the 68th Annual Region II Science and Engineering Fair.

Second Place — Senior Division Chemistry, 68th Annual Region II Science and Engineering Fair, 2024.

Junehyuk Lee

East Alabama and West Georgia ACS Award

Event:: 2025 Alabama Science and Engineering Fair
Recognizing organization:: East Alabama and West Georgia local section of the American Chemical Society

Junehyuk Lee received the East Alabama and West Georgia ACS Award at the 2025 Alabama Science and Engineering Fair.

East Alabama and West Georgia ACS Award — 2025 Alabama Science and Engineering Fair.

Hannah Lee

Gold Medal — Chemistry Lab
Bronze Medal — Anatomy & Physiology

Event:: 2025 Oregon Science Olympiad State Finals
Organization:: Oregon Science Olympiad

Hannah earned medals in two events at the 2025 Oregon Science Olympiad State Finals, receiving a Gold Medal in Chemistry Lab and a Bronze Medal in Anatomy & Physiology.

Hannah Lee with her Chemistry Lab Gold Medal and Anatomy & Physiology Bronze Medal from the 2025 Oregon Science Olympiad State Finals.

RESEARCH → COMPETITIVE STEM → STATE-LEVEL RECOGNITION

RESEARCH → EXTERNAL EXPERIENCE → CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT

Research develops in different directions. Some projects lead to publication. Some lead to scientific presentation. Some receive external recognition. Some develop into collaborations, education, or community organizations.