Research Rising Stars

02/01/2026

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Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

01/26/2026

🎉 PANELIST REVEAL

We are excited to welcome Dr. Rajagopal Appavu, Jerod Neff, and Kurtis Hewson to our upcoming live conversation on Data Literacy Isn’t a Workshop: Habits Matter More Than Training.

Dr. Rajagopal Appavu is the founder of Research Rising Stars, leading work in AI literacy, biomedical innovation, and workforce development to expand future-ready learning opportunities.

Jerod Neff is a district leader in Texas who builds systems that support school improvement and uses data to create clarity and momentum toward strategic goals.

Kurtis Hewson is an award-winning educator and co-founder of Jigsaw Learning who works with schools worldwide to implement Collaborative Response frameworks that strengthen how teams support learners.

📅 Join us live on: Sunday, January 25 at 1PM PST / 4PM EST
🔗 Watch live: https://www.youtube.com/

Want to be a future panelist? https://forms.gle/RVCguZnu3BHgVVPH9

01/17/2026

01/13/2026

https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/01/08/blacksburg-high-school-students-bird-research-ranks-him-semifinalist-prestigious-science-contest/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPTrYZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeq4jritjRWfQn9duVnX9vXAFiEKIi7S23KFeD2hLfpogR0CoLdR9hzgGysa4_aem_oEyB_MQfReB7pBlSbACGqw

A Blacksburg High School student was recently placed as one of the top 300 science students in the country, his award-winning research fueled by a longtime hobby turned career passion.

01/13/2026

12/20/2025

📣 C&EN Talented Twelve – 2026 | Student Nominations

Dr. Rajagopal Appavu is pleased to announce that he will be nominating outstanding students for the C&EN (Chemical & Engineering News) Talented Twelve – 2026 recognition.

As part of this initiative, students from the Research Rising Stars (RRS) Research Program who have previously conducted research under the mentorship of Dr. Rajagopal Appavu will be considered for nomination.

This recognition highlights exceptional early-career researchers whose work demonstrates innovation, scientific rigor, and global impact. Eligible students must have:

Completed or substantially contributed to a research project under Dr. Appavu

Demonstrated original thinking, scientific maturity, and research output (paper, poster, preprint, or equivalent)

📌 Action Required
Students who have worked with Dr. Rajagopal Appavu through the Research Rising Stars (RRS) program and wish to be considered must contact us to initiate the internal nomination review process.

📧 Contact:
office@researchrisingstars.com

⏳ Nominations close on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM (EST). Early outreach is strongly encouraged.

12/17/2025

From Classroom to Clinic — The Journey Begins Here 🩺

Middleton High School proudly hosted a Biomedical Scrubs Ceremony, led by Dr. Rajagopal Appavu honoring high school students committed to becoming the next generation of physicians and scientists.

This powerful ceremony represents:
✔ Commitment to medicine
✔ Early exposure to healthcare careers
✔ Inspiration through mentorship and real-world professionals

👏 Thank you to Middleton High School administration and the Biomedical program team for investing in student futures.

📸 Swipe through to see our future physicians in their first scrubs!

12/17/2025

12/14/2025

🚀 Digital Twins Research Project

An elite, invitation-only opportunity
Research Rising Stars is opening a highly selective Digital Twins research project designed for exceptional middle & high school students who are ready to think beyond textbooks and engage in cutting-edge, real-world research.
🔬 What is Digital Twins?
Digital Twins power modern medicine, aerospace, smart cities, robotics, and AI-driven healthcare by creating virtual models of real-world systems—a skillset used by NASA, leading hospitals, and Fortune 500 companies.
👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 Who Should Apply?
✔️ Academically driven students
✔️ Strong interest in AI, engineering, healthcare, or research
✔️ Students targeting BS/MD, Ivy-level, or top STEM programs
✔️ Curious, self-motivated thinkers who thrive in advanced environments
🏆 Selection is Extremely Limited
➡️ ONLY TOP 5 CANDIDATES will be selected
➡️ Work directly with the Research Rising Stars mentorship team
➡️ Focus on publication-ready, resume-defining research
📌 Why Parents Love This Program
✅ Authentic research (not a camp or workshop)
✅ Mentorship by experienced researchers
✅ Builds a powerful academic narrative for college & medical school
✅ Ideal for students who want to stand out nationally
⚠️ This opportunity is rare and will NOT be repeated soon.
📩 Comment “INTERESTED” or DM us to receive application details.

11/27/2025

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving, Research Rising Stars Families! 🍁

Wishing our amazing parents, dedicated students, and inspiring volunteers a joyful and blessed Thanksgiving.

Thank you for your trust, your hard work, and your commitment to excellence.

Together, we continue to shape bright futures—one child, one dream, one achievement at a time.

Have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones! 🧡

Thank you,
Rising stars team

11/22/2025

Congratulations to all our young innovators! Your curiosity, hard work, and brilliance are shaping the future. Keep rising!

We're excited to announce the Top 30 finalists in the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Challenge, the nation’s STEM competition for middle school students. The finalists — selected by a nationwide panel of scientists, engineers and educators from the Top 300 Junior Innovators announced earlier this month — will participate in Thermo Fisher JIC Finals Week in Washington, D.C. in October. During Finals Week, an esteemed panel of judges will evaluate the finalists’ scientific research along with their communication, creativity and collaboration skills during team challenges.

Join us in congratulating these young scientists! https://bit.ly/3Kjht6c

10/31/2025

🔥 Exciting Research Opportunity for High School Students! 🔬

Join a cutting-edge research program on Neuro-Modulation — exploring how the brain and nervous system can be influenced through technology and biomedical innovation.
Students will work directly with a research mentor, gain publication-level experience, and strengthen their college and BS/MD applications.

🧠 Topic: Neuro-Modulation and Brain-Body Interface Research
📅 Start: Fall 2025
📍 Format: Hybrid / Remote options available
🎓 Eligibility: High School Students (Grades 9–12) passionate about neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or psychology
⚡ Urgent: Only 1 spot left for Fall enrollment — apply ASAP!

👉 To reserve your spot, email office@researchrisingstars.com.