Curiosity in Action: Forest Ridge STEM Fair 2026

“My favorite part of the STEM Fair is actually the months leading up to it,” shared Upper School Dean and Science Teacher Corina Rahmig ‘98. “We give students a lot of freedom to develop their own research questions, design and carry out their experiments, and analyze their data. I love watching their creativity unfold as they dream up truly unique projects and design dynamic presentations.”

On Wednesday, February 25, Upper School students gathered in the Sacred Heart Center to showcase their work at the annual Forest Ridge STEM Fair. The event highlighted the curiosity, creativity, and analytical skills of our students across multiple science disciplines. All Biology I students and Level II science students, including Biology II and Chemistry II, participated by presenting research projects they have been developing throughout the Mod.

Students' projects were evaluated in three categories: general biology, psychology/behavior, and chemistry/biochemistry. A diverse panel of judges that included parents, Forest Ridge alumnae, faculty and staff, and scientists from the broader community engaged students in thoughtful discussion about their research and methodology. 

This year’s projects reflected an impressive range of scientific inquiry. Katelyn T. ‘26 examined how familiarity with a speaker’s voice might influence listening comprehension in noisy environments, connecting neuroscience research to real world communication challenges.

Several projects focused on health, biology, and consumer science. Emma Z. ‘26 compared the effectiveness of homemade facial cream to commercial products by analyzing ingredients, cost, and measurable skin outcomes. Zoe K. ’27 studied the impact of acetaminophen on the neurodevelopment of C. elegans, using a model organism to explore how common medications may influence nervous system development. In another investigation, Sia B. '27 explored the gut brain axis through in silico research, synthesizing current scientific literature and computational data to better understand the connection between digestive health and neurological function. Throughout the evening, students demonstrated thoughtful experimental design, careful data collection, and the ability to communicate complex findings with clarity and confidence.

"STEM Fair is one of my favorite nights and this year was no exception,” reflected Director of Upper School Stephany Fontanone. “From learning about the efficacy of cleaning products on e. coli and b. cereus to the impacts of AI on critical thinking and memory retention; to whether a single sensory stimulus can elicit an Uncanny Valley response in the absence of cross-modal incongruency, the annual STEM Fair is always an opportunity to showcase the creativity, curiosity, and collaboration that make our students truly shine. “Even more inspiring is watching students speak with such confidence and intellectual agility about their work: fielding questions, revising their thinking in real time, and owning their learning with both humility and pride. Nights like this are a powerful reminder of what happens when genuine inquiry meets imagination and purpose."

Several students completed independent research projects that will advance to the Central Sound Regional Science & Engineering Fair later in March, representing Forest Ridge at the next level of competition. The winners of the Forest Ridge STEM Fair are yet to be announced. Watch the video recap on our Instagram created by students. 

Thanks to all who participated in the Forest Ridge STEM Fair 2026. Until next year!