Natural Sciences Day & CURE Symposium Showcases Innovation, Research and STEM Pathways at Bowie State

Bowie State University celebrated student achievement and scientific exploration during the annual Natural Sciences Day and CURE Symposium, held Dec. 10 in the Beacon Room of the Center for Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Nursing. The event welcomed students, faculty and guests from across the region for an afternoon of poster presentations, demonstrations and discussions highlighting semester-long research projects. 

The symposium brought together high school students, families and educators from nearby communities, along with representatives from NASA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the FOSSi Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Frederick National Laboratory. Their presence gave students direct insight into potential career pathways, internships and research opportunities in STEM. 

President Aminta Breaux opened the event by recognizing the importance of student-led research and the growing impact of STEM innovation at Bowie State University. A poster competition, networking sessions and a recognition ceremony for graduating seniors continued throughout the afternoon, providing opportunities for students to share their work publicly, many for the first time. 

For some attendees, the event offered a new perspective on the role of scientific research beyond the classroom. Lauryn Green, a first-year organizational communications major, said the symposium gave her a deeper appreciation for the impact of scientific research on everyday life. 

“Seeing how passionate BSU students are about their projects was inspiring,” Green said. “It showed me how research connects to real-world problems and how important it is to support the work happening in these labs.” 

Senior communications major Nasir Williams also reflected on the importance of how research is communicated, noting that the symposium demonstrated how research and storytelling go hand in hand. He emphasized that the ability to clearly explain scientific work helps make research more meaningful, accessible and impactful for broader audiences. 

Natural Sciences Day and the CURE Symposium continue to serve as a signature platform for showcasing student innovation at Bowie State. From environmental studies and biology projects to chemistry presentations and technology demonstrations, the event underscored the university’s commitment to preparing the next generation of STEM leaders.