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Browse project ideas by Polygence mentors
Academic presentation
Learn skills on how to present on your topic effectively
Social, Psychology, Organizational Leadership
GIS Project: Mapping Sea Level Rise and its Effect on Endangered Piping Plover Populations on Maine's Coastline
This project utilizes GIS (ArcGIS or QGIS) to map sea level rise on the coast of Maine. Sea level rise, and inevitable consequence of climate change, can have devastating effects of shorebird populations, and can be even more significant for species whose populations are already dwindling - such as the Piping Plover. As such, it is crucial to utilize existing data to note the extent of the impact the sea level rise will have on these birds for conservation purposes. Using publicly available data from NOAA to establish key points in time of sea level rise as well as citizen science sightings of birds from iNaturalist, we can map out the intersection of sea level rise as existing populations of Piping Plovers.
Environmental Science
Data Analysis Project: Water Quality in Lake Tahoe after the Introduction of
This project uses publicly available data to analyze the effectiveness of an environmental policy working towards zero emission vessels by reviewing the change in water quality of a body of water after legislation was passed. The California Air Resources Board made amendments to the Commercial Harbor Craft Regulation in 2021, which was a phased transition with zero-emission targets, intending to transition towards hybrid and fully electric engines for vessels that go out on bodies of water, such as Lake Tahoe. Of course, it is paramount to establish the effect the amendment actually had on improving the water quality of the body of water. Using water quality data from the USGS, we can perform exploratory data analysis to see what trends in water quality, such as turbidity, occurred after the amendment was made in 2021, and how much change has occurred every year since then.
Environmental Science
Literature Review: Genomic Tools for Wildlife Monitoring and Conservation
In recent decades, powerful genomics tools have been utilized in an incredible amount of research papers, many of which have been crucial in informing conservation, management, and policy decisions. This is particularly significant in that genomic techniques can often be non-invasive forms of analysis, allowing new methods for Threatened and Endangered species, generally sensitive species, and species with cultural significance. These techniques, such as eDNA, genetic barcoding, and whole genome sequencing all have varying benefits and drawbacks, which are important to evaluate in a holistic manner in order to have a resource to move forward with for future researchers. Thus, this project offer's a unique way to gain knowledge into the world of genomics and biodiversity by reviewing the current literature on the methods themselves, previous studies with significant results that have used these techniques and the respective researchers' evaluations of them, and what future researchers can apply moving forward, creating a valuable resource.
Environmental Science
Asteroseismology - The Music of the Stars
This project is a computational exploration of asteroseismology, the study of "starquakes" to understand the hidden interiors of stars. You'll investigate how a star's unique "song", a set of resonant frequencies created by sound waves, changes as it burns fuel and evolves over millions of years. Using professional research tools, you will first model a star's life cycle with the MESA stellar evolution code to simulate its changing internal structure. Then, you will use the GYRE stellar oscillation code to calculate its specific oscillation frequencies at key stages, allowing you to directly connect the star's observable "music" to the invisible evolution happening deep within its core. You will learn the fundamental principles of stellar structure and evolution, how to work in a command-line environment, and how to process, analyze, and visualize scientific data using Python.
Math, Physics
Too Much of a Good Thing: A Review of Seaweed-related Harmful Algal Bloo
Seaweeds are incredibly important members of coastal marine ecosystems, providing oxygen and nutrients while sequestering carbon. However, overgrowth of seaweeds can cause major issues, including water visibility decrease, disease from bacterial blooms, and even harmful gas release. In this project, we will write a review paper on the major harmful algal bloom concerns right now involving seaweeds. You will learn how to review scientific literature, analyze formally and informally reported data, create figures and summary graphics using free platforms, and publicize your work for widespread engagement. Let's explore the fascinating world of harmful algal blooms together!
Environmental Science
Community Belonging and Student Success
A strong sense of belonging is linked to academic achievement and personal wellbeing, yet students’ experiences of community can vary widely. This project would explore how involvement in student organizations, study groups, or informal peer networks shapes feelings of belonging on campus. A student researcher could conduct a small set of interviews or focus groups with peers, asking about where they feel most supported, what challenges they face in finding community, and how belonging connects to their motivation or performance. The project is intentionally focused in scope: it can be completed with 5–10 participants and analyzed through simple coding of themes. This allows the student to develop skills in qualitative interviewing, thematic analysis, and connecting personal stories to broader educational outcomes.
Economics, Nutrition, Social, Social Science
Beginner-to-Medium: The Impact of Remote Work on Daily Wellbeing and Productivity
In recent years, remote and hybrid work arrangements have reshaped how people organize their daily routines. This project would examine how different work setups: remote, hybrid, and in-person influence employees’ wellbeing and productivity. A student could design a short survey to capture key indicators such as mood, stress levels, sleep quality, and self-reported productivity, then compare results across work arrangements. To deepen the analysis, the survey could be complemented with a small number of short interviews, offering qualitative insights into the lived experience of workers. The project is intentionally manageable: data collection can be completed within a few weeks, while still giving the student the opportunity to practice essential research skills such as survey design, descriptive data analysis, and translating findings into meaningful conclusions about workplace trends.
Economics, Nutrition, Social, Social Science
How can we build up our emotional intelligence?
Take a moment to think about how you feel right now. Could you describe how you feel, or are you unsure? Being able to identify, label, and understand your emotions in the moment - known in the field of psychology as "emotional granularity" or "emotion differentiation" - is an important skill associated with positive mental health outcomes. In this project, we will explore the state of the research on emotional granularity. You would learn how to identify scientific articles, conduct a literature review, and synthesize your findings. The final product of your literature review can vary based on your interests; for example, you could design a social media-based intervention to increase your followers' emotional granularity or write a children's book to help kids learn how to identify and label subtle differences in their emotions.
Social, Neuroscience, Psychology
Freedoom of the Press
Freedoom of the Press is an augmented reality (AR) app, designed to address the critical issue of press suppression, with a particular focus on the struggles faced by female journalists. The app uses AR to create an immersive experience, allowing users to engage with human silhouettes representing assassinated women journalists from around the world. Through these virtual figures, the app tells the stories of these journalists, highlighting the dangers they faced in their pursuit of truth and justice.
Animation, Game Design
