EST. July 2025

ISE was founded by two 10th grade students, Shreya Sutar and Ayush Kumar, to create an opportunity for CAMS students to explore their interests and conduct real scientific research.

When We Meet

We meet at the California Academy of Mathematics and Science on Tuesdays after school from 3:45–4:45 in room 2005. Meetings are used to debrief progress and review deliverables for the week.

What We Do

Members work on independent research projects and have the opportunity to publish in a certified ISSN journal. We are also building a MIT InvenTeam to collaborate on a grant proposal and, if advanced, present at MIT.

How We Compete

In our very first year, 11 ISE members qualified for the California Invention Convention, with several advancing to the later stages of MIT BWAT — early proof of what focused, student-led research can do.

Our Mentor

ISE is guided by mentors who help our members think and write like real researchers.

Dr. Ellen Roche

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, MIT

Dr. Roche mentors ISE's founders, Ayush Kumar and Shreya Sutar, offering guidance on reading academic papers and drawing on her experience in the research sector to give incredible advice as the organization grows.

Research, Mentorship & Community

From an early idea to a peer-reviewed paper, members move through every stage of the research process with the support of their peers and mentors.

Built by students, for students

ISE exists because we believe that high school students are capable of producing real, rigorous research — not just learning about it. Every member chooses a question they care about and is paired with peers and mentors who help them sharpen it into something publishable.

We take submissions seriously. Every piece that enters the journal is reviewed for clarity, methodology, and contribution before it ever sees publication.

Featured Publication

Each cycle we'll highlight a student-led project that captures the depth of work coming out of ISE.

Our first featured publication is coming soon — check back once ISE's inaugural journal cycle wraps.

Our Sponsors

ISE is proudly supported by organizations that share our commitment to research, education, and community impact.

Get In Touch

Questions about joining ISE, contributing to our journal, or partnering with our team? Email us — we read every one.