Youth Conference 2024 Highlights
The Discovering Sustainability Science Youth Conference is an annual celebration of science where students from our partner schools take center stage and showcase the projects, research, and investigations they’ve conducted in their Hydroponic Classrooms. Joining our young Farmer Scientists are professionals, innovators, and experts in the sustainability and STEM fields, who share their insights into the real-world applications of what students learn in the classroom.
Launched in 2011, the Youth Conference has played a vital role in expanding our community of Farmer Scientists to over 120,000 students in 300+ partner schools, creating connections between like-minded students and teachers working toward a sustainable future.
On May 23rd, 2024, we welcomed more than 900 students to join us once again at the Javits Center, where despite a morning of rainy weather, we celebrated climate education like never before. In addition to student presenters ranging from grades 2nd through 12th, we also heard from guest speakers including Javits Center President and CEO Alan Steel, Damali Wynter, the Assistant Commissioner for the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, and Daniella Piper, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at New York Power Authority. Additionally, we were honored by messages of support from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Representative Nydia Velázquez, and Representative Dan Goldman.
To watch the full conference recording, click here. Or check out the trailer below!
Sessions
Session I – Grow: Students as Farmer Scientists Running Investigations In Their Hydroponic Classrooms
Introduction by MCs Sage Cormier and Tim Grimes
Opening Remarks by Alan Steel, CEO of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation
Growing Strawberries in a Hydroponic Lab: Adrian, Michael, & Wesley from West End Secondary School
Sustainable Greenhouse Substrate: Luca, Ohad, Nina, & Torjin from PS 333 Manhattan School for Children
The Power of Mushrooms: Shakira, Aiden, & Christopher from PS K721 Brooklyn Occupational Training Center
Hyping Up Hydroponics: Jeyleen, Amy, Tristan, Kai’air, and Skylar from PS 123 The Suydam Magnet School for STEAM
Heating it Up With Hydroponics!: Aniah, Zhamyah, and Leeadams from the Bronx School for Continuous Learners
The Effect of Lycopene on Allium sativum to Enhance Anticancer Activity: Amira from Edward R. Murrow HS
Guest Speaker: Damali Wynter, Assistant Commissioner of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
Session II – Innovate: Students as Innovators Creating Their own Hydroponic Systems and Designing Solutions to Current Climate Challenges
Virtual Guest Speaker: Representative Nydia Velázquez of New York’s 7th Congressional District
Hydroponics Custom Rescue Lab: Ethan, Keshaya, and Arif from The Michael Friedsam School PS 214K
The Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Growth Rate of Chlorella sp and Scenedesmus Algae for Carbon Dioxide Sequestration: Kevin, Ivan, Xinlun, and Jeffrey from Edward R. Murrow HS
Waste-Free Hydroponic Classroom: Violet, Kellen, and Ro from Robert E. Bell School
Virtual Guest Speaker: US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Using Compost Tea as Nutrient Solution in the NFT System: Anna, Allison, and Franklin from Bronx Latin
Self-Sufficient Irrigation Systems: Ariadna, Dylan, and Jayden from the Bronx School of Young Leaders
Can You Use Different Materials as Growing Substrates and Still Germinate Seeds?: Denissa, Jonathan, and Stony from PS 176 Ovington
AIR-TAG: Tower Automated Garden: Joel and Mya from High School for Innovation in Advertising and Media:
Virtual Guest Speaker: US Senator Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader
Session III – Act: Students As Global Citizens Engaging In Community Events and Expanding The Learning Beyond Their Hydroponic Classrooms
Guest Speaker: Daniella Piper, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at NYPA
The Impact of Contaminants in Tap Water on Urban Agriculture: Hillary from Jose Marti STEM Academy
Sharing the Planet: How Do Decomposers, Like Worms, Help the Soil Become Better for Plants to Grow?: Linus, Beatrice, Ryan, Jane, and Valentine from PS 9 The Sarah Smith Garnet School
Nutrient Effects: Ryan, Bradley, Ecknika, & Cecilia from PS 181
Waste Audit: Fatiath, Layneris and Marlene from Claremont International HS
Hydroponics and Sustainability: Mathew, Joel, and Justin form the School of Future Brooklyn
The Effect of Water Temperature on Germination: Tayyibah, Fariha, and Sahil from The Michael Friedsam School PS 214K
Cucumbers in Hydroponics: An Efficient, Delicious Wonder: Juniper, Rook, and Skye from the Brooklyn Urban Garden Charter School
Healthy Healing Herbs: Keisy, Max, and Jilleanne from Dyckman Valley School of Innovation in a Global Community PS152
Virtual Guest Speaker: Representative Daniel Goldman of New York’s 10th Congressional District
Guest Speakers
Daniella Piper is Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer at the New York Power Authority. She coordinates the Power Authority’s strategic business goals, leading technology innovation, digitization, and research development efforts. She also oversees NYPA’s Enterprise Innovation team, which serves as the incubator for new ideas that allow NYPA to deploy game-changing solutions with the goal of grow a thriving, resilient NY state powered by clean energy. With more than 15 years of experience in the energy industry and a record of success at the power authority, she is a licensed professional engineer in NY state, holds a Bachelor of Engineering in electrical engineering from City College of New York, a Master of Science in electrical engineering from New York University, and a Master of Engineering Construction Management from Manhattan College.
Damali Wynter is the Assistant Commissioner for New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets, developing outreach strategies to support respectful and sustainable communication with stakeholders while working with all divisions to promote inclusiveness of education. In her role, Wynter bridges challenging gaps in communication between government operations and community partners. Her vision aims to support diversity in leadership, establish solid agricultural leadership pipelines to support long-term workforce development plans, and raise consumer awareness about the pivotal role agriculture plays in our daily lives. She has over 20 years of professional leadership experience, an MPA from New York University, and a BS from Syracuse University.
Alan Steel is the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, which operates the Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side. Under Mr. Steel’s leadership, the Javits Center recently completed a historic expansion project that added more than 1 million square feet of state-of-the-art space, including a rooftop pavilion and a one-acre roof-top farm. Upon his appointment in 2012, Mr. Steel led the completion of a comprehensive renovation and operational overhaul at the Javits Center that included significant investments in energy efficiency. As a result, the convention center has emerged as a nationwide model of sustainability, partnering with research institutions and community groups to study and reinforce the building’s positive impact on the local environment. An avid environmentalist, Mr. Steel currently serves as chairperson of NYC & Company’s Sustainability Committee, as well as on the Board of Directors for New York City Audubon and New Yorkers for Parks and the Board of Trustees for The Climate Museum.
To support our work and the conference as a corporate partner, please contact us.
