Reflections of a Scholar: Seeing STEM Through a Wider Lens

Before attending the conference, I thought of STEM careers as mostly focused on labs,

research, and academics. I knew strong science skills were important, but I had not really

considered how people centered and interdisciplinary STEM careers can be. Spending the day listening to professionals and connecting with other Scholars gave me a completely new

perspective on what a future in STEM can look like.

One of the most impactful moments for me was hearing the panelists discuss the role of soft

skills in preparing for future careers. They emphasized that while technical expertise is

essential, long term success in STEM also depends heavily on communication, leadership,

teamwork, and adaptability. The panelists encouraged us to think intentionally about developing these skills in college, such as by taking courses or even pursuing a minor in areas like business, marketing, or communication. At first, this advice surprised me because those fields seemed separate from science. However, it became clear that these skills are what allow scientists and engineers to effectively share ideas, collaborate across disciplines, and turn research into real world impact.

The panelists’ insights made me realize that strong technical knowledge alone is not enough. Scientists must be able to explain their work to diverse audiences, work productively in teams, and advocate for their ideas. Soft skills play a crucial role in transforming innovation into meaningful change, making them just as important as scientific expertise in a STEM career.

Another highlight of the conference was the sense of connection I felt with the other Scholars. From the beginning, there was a shared feeling of belonging, and conversations felt natural and supportive. Being surrounded by students with similar goals was motivating and reassuring, and it reminded me how powerful it is to be part of a community that values collaboration rather than competition.

The conference also reshaped how I view STEM in academia. I once imagined academic

careers as narrow and isolated from the outside world, but listening to professionals describe

their experiences showed me that academia is dynamic and deeply connected to real world

challenges. Research often intersects with leadership, communication, and problem solving,

creating impact far beyond the lab.

I left the conference feeling inspired and more confident about my future in STEM. Most

importantly, I gained a clearer understanding that success in STEM is not just about technical

skills, but also about developing strong soft skills and learning how to connect ideas across

disciplines to make a meaningful impact.

Written by Prerna Bankupalli, 2026 Scholar Prerna Bankupalli is a junior at Old Bridge High School. She has a strong interest in medicine and research, particularly in the fields of pediatrics and cardiology. She is a Junior Researcher with the New York Academy of Sciences and is developing an AI-driven approach to address food waste issues. She recently completed a project about genetic literacy with Harvard University Global Health. Prerna is currently preparing to present a project about the effects of stroke on epilepsy at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is skilled in a variety of laboratory techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, ELISA, cell culture, and spectrophotometry. She is the co-founder and co-president of her school's HOSA chapter, serves as an International Outreach Lead for India HOSA, and earned second place at the HOSA International Leadership Conference as a freshmen. Prerna is also a Bharatanatyam dancer and earned an Award of Excellence in the dance form.