A New Direction

Date: 3/29/26

Written By: Sadie Goscha

Science is built upon uncertainty. This means asking the questions that don't have answers to yet and pursuing those answers yourself. That is the core idea behind SPARK's new relaunch. 

SPARK continues a student-driven, intellectual community where critical thinking and genuine scientific passion are fostered. 

Earlier this year, as the club was building foundations, it was clear that the original framework was not going to be sustainable. We struggled with broad goals and low engagement. Ambition was tampered by feasibility. By learning from these mistakes, we are stronger! 

This semester, SPARK is taking a new approach—centering the club around collaborative, student-driven research projects and interactive problem-solving sessions. 

Unlike a typical science class, SPARK is not about getting the “right” answer. Students are encouraged to explore questions that don’t have clear solutions, learn from failed experiments, and engage in discussions where ideas are challenged and refined.

Students will learn to not only generate new knowledge, but interpret the research that already exists by gaining research skills and learning how to read scholarly papers. 

Upcoming projects may include topics like plant growth under different spectrums, memory and focus in students, and many others.

Here's a Sneak Peek!