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CONNECT STEMResearch Beyond Publication
Students conducting scientific research in a laboratory

Research Areas

Research Across Disciplines. Built Around Real Questions.

ConnectSTEM supports research across chemistry, life sciences, engineering, physics, and environmental science. Students begin with questions rooted in their interests and experiences, then develop those questions through original investigation, follow-up research, and real-world application.

The ConnectSTEM Research Pathway

Every research area follows the same progression — from a student’s first question to real-world application.

  1. 1Original Investigation
  2. 2Follow-Up Research
  3. 3Publication / Presentation
  4. 4Real-World Application

Each area is a starting point. How far a project develops depends on the student, the question, and the mentorship behind it.

Analytical Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry

What Students May Investigate

  • Identifying and quantifying compounds in complex mixtures
  • Developing or refining measurement and detection methods
  • Studying how reactions proceed and what they produce

Questions Students Might Explore

  • ?How can we detect and measure trace contaminants in local water sources?
  • ?Which detection method gives the most accurate quantification of a target compound?
  • ?How do impurities or interferences affect the reliability of a measurement?

Example questions illustrate the kind of inquiry students pursue — not specific accomplishments.

Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

What Students May Investigate

  • Designing and synthesizing new carbon-based molecules
  • Investigating reaction mechanisms and pathways
  • Studying how structure shapes a compound’s properties

Questions Students Might Explore

  • ?How does changing a functional group alter a molecule’s reactivity or properties?
  • ?Which reaction pathway produces the highest yield of a target compound?
  • ?How can we design a molecule with specific, predictable behavior?

Example questions illustrate the kind of inquiry students pursue — not specific accomplishments.

Biochemistry & Biomedical Engineering

Biochemistry & Biomedical Engineering

What Students May Investigate

  • Analyzing proteins, enzymes, and biochemical pathways
  • Designing biomaterials and biomedical devices
  • Translating biological findings into health applications

Questions Students Might Explore

  • ?How does an enzyme’s structure determine its catalytic activity?
  • ?Can a natural or synthetic compound inhibit a disease-related protein?
  • ?How might a biomaterial be engineered to support tissue repair?

Example questions illustrate the kind of inquiry students pursue — not specific accomplishments.

Environmental Science

Environmental Science

What Students May Investigate

  • Testing water, soil, and air quality in local environments
  • Tracking pollutants and contaminants and their sources
  • Researching sustainability and conservation solutions

Questions Students Might Explore

  • ?Which local water source carries the highest contaminant load, and why?
  • ?How effective are native plants or filters at removing runoff pollutants?
  • ?What conditions drive algae growth in a nearby pond or stream?

Example questions illustrate the kind of inquiry students pursue — not specific accomplishments.

Mechanical Engineering / Physics

Mechanical Engineering / Physics

What Students May Investigate

  • Designing and testing mechanical systems and devices
  • Analyzing forces, motion, and energy in physical systems
  • Studying material properties and performance under stress

Questions Students Might Explore

  • ?How does material choice affect the efficiency of a mechanical device?
  • ?What design minimizes vibration or energy loss in a small system?
  • ?How do forces distribute through a structure under load?

Example questions illustrate the kind of inquiry students pursue — not specific accomplishments.

RESEARCH IN ACTION

See how a question can grow beyond the paper.

ConnectSTEM Research Journey

FROM SWIMMING TO ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

  1. 1Personal InterestSwimming and pool safety
  2. 2Research QuestionHow can bleach/chlorine in pool water be measured using analytical chemistry?
  3. 3Original InvestigationDevelopment and evaluation of a Leuco Crystal Violet–based detection approach
  4. 4Follow-Up ResearchInvestigation of Malachite Green as an alternative analytical method
  5. 5Where It Goes NextComparing methods and exploring practical applications for pool-water analysis

A ConnectSTEM research pathway.

ConnectSTEM Research Journey

FROM COMMUNITY PROBLEM TO RESEARCH & IMPACT

  1. 1Real-World ObservationPreparing roasted-grain tea for a large community required significant time, labor, and cost.
  2. 2Problem SolvingPreparation methods were tested and refined to make large-scale beverage preparation faster and more efficient.
  3. 3Scientific Follow-UpThe work expanded into research examining how roasting conditions affect flavor-related compounds in roasted grain beverages.
  4. 4Current ResearchA GC-MS study is investigating how roasting time affects the formation of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine in corn tea.
  5. 5Research to ImpactThe broader work continues through ConnectNourish, connecting food research, process improvement, and community-scale application.

Impact Snapshot

15K+

People Helped

6

Churches Reached

$2,000

Saved for Churches

MANUSCRIPT IN PREPARATION FOR SUBMISSION

EXPLORE CONNECTNOURISH

ConnectSTEM Research Journey

FROM RESEARCHER TO MENTOR

  1. 1Student ResearcherBegins with an original research project
  2. 2Advanced ResearchDevelops deeper expertise through publication and follow-up investigation
  3. 3LeadershipBegins supporting younger researchers
  4. 4Research MentorGuides students through research questions, methodology, and project development
  5. 5Cycle ContinuesExperienced students and alumni help create opportunities for the next generation.

A ConnectSTEM research pathway.

ConnectSTEM Research Journey

CONNECTSTEM LEADERSHIP JOURNEY

FROM RESEARCH EXPERIENCE TO STEM LEADERSHIP

  1. 1Research ExperienceStudents develop scientific knowledge, problem-solving skills, and leadership through sustained research experiences.
  2. 2Leadership OpportunityExperienced ConnectSTEM students can take on broader leadership roles and apply what they have learned beyond their own research projects.
  3. 3Student-Led OrganizationSTEAM Labs International provides students with opportunities to lead teams, programs, and hands-on STEM outreach.
  4. 4Leadership in ActionFive ConnectSTEM alumni now serve as Directors at STEAM Labs International, leading programs, teams, and the organization’s continued growth.
  5. 5Educational ImpactSTEAM Labs has expanded to 18 chapters, supported by 100+ volunteers, and has reached 3,000+ students through hands-on STEM education and community programs.

Impact Snapshot

5

ConnectSTEM Alumni Directors

18

Chapters

100+

Volunteers

3,000+

Students Reached

$30,000+

Funding & Awards

EXPLORE STEAM LABS
University and research collaboration

University & Research Collaboration

When projects require specialized expertise, facilities, or guidance, selected students may engage with university mentors, research collaborators, or external research environments.

These collaborations extend the depth of student research while maintaining ConnectSTEM’s long-term mentorship model.

Every ConnectSTEM research area begins with a student’s question — and grows through mentorship, investigation, and application.Research beyond publication.