Breaking Barriers at 3rd Annual Findings from the Field Symposium
The 3rd Annual Findings from the Field Student Research Symposium was held on March 30, 2026, in Portland, Maine, bringing together students, educators, and science experts to break down traditional barriers in science communication. Students in grades four through eight presented research through posters, lightning talks, and discussion sessions, engaging directly with professionals and peers. The event emphasized youth leadership in science, highlighted by interactive data activities, restructured discussion formats, and mentorship from undergraduate students.
- ▪The symposium was co-hosted by the Gulf of Maine Research Institute and NASA’s Learning Ecosystems Northeast project.
- ▪106 students, 29 educators, and 15 Subject Matter Experts participated, with 68 research posters and 14 lightning talks presented.
- ▪Students engaged in data discussions inspired by the Data Vandals art group and sat at the main table during sessions to emphasize their role as lead scientists.
- ▪Undergraduate mentors were introduced to bridge the gap between young students and professional scientists.
- ▪The event outgrew its original venue and was hosted at Unum’s office space due to increased participation.
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4 min readBreaking Barriers at 3rd Annual Findings from the Field SymposiumNASA Science Editorial TeamMay 04, 2026 Article Students had the opportunity to practice their science communication skills during the poster session portion of the Findings from the Field Symposium, held in Portland Maine. On March 30, 2026, the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) and the NASA Science Activation program’s Learning Ecosystems Northeast (LENE) project hosted the third installment of the Findings from the Field Student Research Symposium. This annual event and associated Findings from the Field journal are where students are the experts and the usual “white coat” barriers associated with science communication come down.
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