2,893 Inspirational Passion Project Ideas
Turn inspirations into your passion project.
This collection of project ideas, shared by Polygence mentors, is meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
- AI/ML
- Animation
- Arts
- Biology
- Biotech
- Business
- Cancer
- Chemistry
- Cognitive
- Computer Science
- Creative Writing
- Dance
- Dentistry
- Economics
- Engineering
- Entomology
- Environmental Science
- Ethics
- Fashion
- Finance
- Game Design
- Healthcare
- History
- Illustration
- Languages
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Math
- Medicine
- Music
- Neuroscience
- Nutrition
- Organizational Leadership
- Philanthropy
- Philosophy
- Photography
- Physics
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Quantitative
- Social
- Social Science
- Sports Analytics
- Statistics
- Surgery
Literature Review and Research Proposal
This project is applicable to any topic. An essential part of Science is forming a solid plan. In order to do that, we need to first educate ourselves on what is currently known. There are many online resources for finding the most up-to-date facts and cutting edge research. During this phase, the student will also learn the basics of major laboratory techniques and how to apply them to the topic. After we've familiarize ourselves with the topic, we then start the hard work: thinking of the next steps. During this phase the student will form scientific hypothesizes and describe the experiments they would do in order to address those hypothesizes. This project emcompasses two foundational aspects of doing scientific research and is a great exercise for future STEM graduates, as documents like this are routine in all fields of research.
Cancer, Ethics
Genetics of dying
A shocking and extremely interesting study came out almost 5 years ago showing that cells continue to show gene expression differences even up to several days after the whole organism has died. Are there molecular signatures (ie: genetic patterns) associated with the death of an organism? Do the cells stay alive for some time even after the organism has died? How do we understand death on a cellular level? How do we understand death on a genetic level? These questions are slowly being answered by a new field that has interesting applications in forensics and interesting questions within basic biology and our understanding of the death and dying processes between an organism and its cells. This project could be a scientific review, a blog/vlog/news and views article for the public, or a computational project analyzing publicly available data (preferably for someone who knows some coding in Python and/or R).
Biology, Ethics
On the origins of algorithmic injustice
This project explores how it is that injustice can arise at the algorithmic level. Algorithmic injustice occurs when algorithmic decision-making procedures systematically harm certain individuals in virtue of their social identities. For example, a recidivism algorithm might predict that a Black individual is more likely to re-offend, a prediction which in turn affects their sentencing. This project explores human bias at the level of training data as one possible source of algorithmic injustice.
Music, Philosophy, Ethics
Henrietta Lacks: The ethics, history, and impact of HeLa cells
Have you ever heard of HeLa cells? They are a very commonly used cell line in science labs all over the world. Huge discoveries have been made that likely would not have been possible without these "immortal" cells. But they have a dark past...the original HeLa cells were taken from a black woman named Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) in 1951 without her knowledge, consent, or compensation. In this project, we will explore the biology and history of HeLa cells and read "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot. You can then create a podcast (or other form of media) to educate scientists about the woman behind HeLa cells, the ethical dilemma around their existence, and the impact Henrietta's cells have had on the field. (Photo credit: Lacks family)
Music, Neuroscience, Ethics
Public perceptions and communication on controversial science & technology
Science and technology can create controversy in the public sphere, dividing dinner tables and whole communities on how different technologies should be used - or not used - in day to day life. In this project, the objective is to create educational materials designed to communicate with a chosen public audience on a controversial topic in science or technology. First, you will choose a topic of choice, preferably one that has some visibility and significance as an issue in the public sphere (vaccines; climate change; pollution; artificial intelligence; etc). You will then use survey and interview methods with a chosen public audience - maybe they are people who go to your school, live in your neighborhood, etc - , and ask them about their perspectives on scientific subject that you have chosen. By analyzing this data, you should build a robust understanding of how your chosen community thinks about the topic of choice. You will then use these insights to generate some effective means of communication on the topic of choice. The goal is not to necessarily convince people one way or the other, but to learn how to tailor science communication towards a public audiences values, interests, languages, cultural knowledge, ideologies, etc. Outcomes of this project can include a diverse array of outputs, such as a combination of educational videos, podcasts, short articles, blogs, artwork, or even songs and poetry. The most important thing is that your combination of materials reflect an effective communication approach for your audience.
Biotech, Environmental Science
Cardiomyocytes: The Magic and the Mystery
In this project we will explore how cardiomyocytes work together to create a functional organ that contracts 100,000 times a day. We will learn about the mysteries that surround cardiac development and our barriers to developing healthy adult cardiac tissue in the lab. The end product will be a research paper or presentation detailing cardiomyocyte biology and development and an understanding of the current barriers in the field.
Ethics
A Review of Chatbots and Artificial Intelligence in Genetic Counseling
Multiple groups have investigated using chatbots to expand genetic counseling services. A review is needed to summarize how research groups are implementing artificial intelligence in genetic counseling and patient perspectives of receiving genetic services through chatbots.
Ethics, Psychology, Public Health
Are you a computer?
Does a person's mind relate to their body as a computer's software relates its hardware? Those who answer ``yes'' endorse the Computational Theory of Mind (CTM). CTM commits you to the view that many, if not all, of a person's mental processes (e.g., their thinking and reasoning) are computer softwares executed by their brain. CTM is fascinating because it gives a unifying answer to a wide array of questions from across the history and philosophy of psychology. Nevertheless, there is broad disagreement over whether CTM is a genuine scientific organizing principle or a merely convenient metaphor. We'll start by familiarizing ourselves with the origins and content of CTM. After that, we'll branch out in accord with your interests. Whichever way we go, we'll strive for a deeper philosophical understanding of how our mental processes facilitate our capacity to navigate and alter our environment. Pre-requisites: A curiosity for the relationship between the mind, body, and environment is all that's required. We will start with thoughtful columns, podcasts, or videos authored by science communicators and public philosophers and engage with recent research and historical movements where needed.
Linguistics, Cognitive
Oral Microbiology
In this project, the student studies the over 700 types of microscopic species - both beneficial and detrimental - that inhabit our oral cavities. The student will write an extensive research paper discovering what remains to be done to couple microbiology with treatment mechanisms.
Dance, Ethics
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Predictive Testing Perspectives
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic condition caused by common variants in the SERPINA1 gene. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can cause liver and lung disease, but there are targeted treatments available once people are symptomatic. Many people are identified after a family member is diagnosed, but this is also included on direct to consumer genetic testing. People who have been identified with alpha-1 antitrypsin depending by genetic testing without clinical symptoms will be interviewed to discover their perspective of their diagnostic process, feelings about treatment options, and interaction with the healthcare system. This project would require an IRB review, which can extend the project timeline by 1-3 months.
Ethics, Psychology, Public Health
Genetics and ethics
Genetics as a field has a fraught history rooted in the discriminatory, and ultimately extremely harmful, eugenics movement to stealing samples from Indigenous communities to study ancient DNA, to perpetuating racism through projects today that study racial differences. This is all despite that the data show that racialized groups are actually more similar between groups than any given individuals within that group are, and that the data show that racialized genetic analyses actually show huge overlaps. One way to combat this would be to compile a literature review of the research so far to show that much more of the research show that genetics data is antiracist, but the interpretations have been historically racist. Another way is through short stories, lectures, podcasts, blogs, commentaries, or other ways of getting the word out that humans are genetically very similar and the differences represented are not racial.
Biology, Ethics
A Literature Review on Consumer-Mediated Nutrient Cycling
Animals are often ignored when learning about the cycling of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen, despite the fact that they play an important role in these cycles. In recent years, scientists have spent more time researching the role of animals as they release nutrients through excretion and egesta, as well as during decomposition. In many cases, these are significant contributions of nutrients to the ecosystem. This review article would contribute to the field by synthesizing current knowledge and summarizing results from investigations into the impact of consumer-mediated nutrient cycling within a particular ecosystem; the project would also identify gaps in the literature and recommend future research priorities.
Ethics, Environmental Science
Finding Algorithmic Success on TikTok
TikTok has grown exponentially in popularity, but how do you become popular on the platform? What are the ethics of promoting one creator over another? This project can take many directions depending on the student's interests. - Students interested in social justice may write an exposé on discriminatory factors that promote creators with certain characteristics or privileges. - Students interested in computer science may explore basic code that underlies social media platforms. - Students interested in law&policy may write a report on how social media platforms should be governed.
Social, AI/ML
What's the hottest in neuroscience?
There are many articles that boast about the newest, hottest developments in neuroscience. But are they "real"? Do they accurately convey the science? How does this affect the public's view of research and their opinions of science? In this project, we find some popular science articles and compare them to the academically published research. By examining the subtleties (and sometimes not so subtle) of science communication, this project aims to get us thinking about the relationship between science and the public. (Image thanks to iPhone emojis.)
Neuroscience, Ethics
Genomic Analysis of Cancer
In this project, you will use transcriptomic and genomic datasets to analyze and classify cancers into biologically meaningful subgroups. Strong bioinformatic and coding background required, ideally with experience in R/Bioconductor.
Cancer, Ethics
Exploring the applications of spintronics technology
In this project, students would explore real-life applications of spintronics technology, a cutting edge and rapidly evolving field of research. By looking into fundamental research that has happened throughout the past years as well as reading into recent papers that have been published, students can give an overview of the overall topic, as well as potentially propose their own ideas or applications.
Ethics, Physics, Arts, Engineering, Literature
Yeast Feast: The Science of Baking and Fermentation
In the "Yeast Feast" project, students will dive into the delicious world of baking science, getting a firsthand understanding of the vital role that tiny organisms, such as yeast, play in our everyday lives. This project will provide a unique blend of culinary art and microbiology, offering a fun and engaging way to learn about scientific concepts. To kick things off, students will get creative in the kitchen, crafting two distinct versions of a baking recipe - one with yeast and one without. This hands-on approach will allow students to observe the differences in preparation, cooking process, and most importantly, the final result. Following this, students will delve into a comparative analysis of the two recipes. They will describe the differences they observed and experienced, from the texture and volume of the dough to the taste and structure of the final product. But the project won't stop at observations. Students will also explore the 'why' behind these differences, honing in on the role of yeast in baking. They will learn about this fascinating microorganism and its metabolic activities, specifically its role in fermentation that results in the production of carbon dioxide and alcohol, which are key to making dough rise. Through the "Yeast Feast" project, students will gain a deeper understanding of the biological processes at play in something as commonplace as baking bread. They will experience how science isn't just confined to a lab but is deeply integrated into our daily activities - even in the kitchen!
Nutrition, Public Health
Studying the impacts of technology on local communities
Culture and technology are intertwined. Almost everything we do in our homes, schools, and communities revolves on the usage of some sort of technological object. In this project, I want you to select a type of technology, and investigate its role and usage within your community. By using survey and interview methods, investigate the different tasks that different people perform with this technology and what impact that has on their lives. Going deeper, I want you to ask about their perspectives on their own usage of this technology, and discover what meaning this technology has towards the culture, identities, and livelihoods of the people you are learning from. From there, lets also engage in some archival research methods to discover what kinds of social, economic, and environmental impacts this technology has had on society more generally, and compare that back to your study community. By comparing your local research to broader trends, we can generate insights on how this technology may impact the community moving forward, whether its for better or for worse.
Biotech, Environmental Science
Social Determinants of Oral Health
There are so many ways our oral health affects our lives, and vice versa. This project is a marriage of sociology and dentistry, and studies the way our oral health both impacts and is impacted by our social surroundings. In this project, the student will create a presentation of their studies to educate different groups on the importance of oral health, and the fallacies of our current healthcare system.
Dance, Ethics
Isolating pigments using 3D Printed Microfluidics
In this project, you will use basic 3D printing techniques to build microfluidic devices which can separate the base pigments that make up multi-component dyes. In the course of this project, I expect that you will expand your engineering expertise with hands-on work, as well as learn about 3D modeling, chemical separations, and fluid dynamics. Photo by ZMorph All-in-One 3D Printers on Unsplash.com
Ethics, Statistics, Medicine
