Lily Aspirany, an engineering student of the PCTI STEM Academy, participated in the Governor’s School of New Jersey for Engineering & Technology. Lily recently presented her pioneering research at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Undergraduate Research Technology Conference. Collaborating with three fellow students from different New Jersey counties, Lily co-authored a research paper titled “An Experimental Investigation into Fabricating Nerve Guidance Conduits for Nerve Regeneration.” The project, which focuses on advancing nerve-repair technology, was selected for publication among 154 distinguished papers by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), highlighting its scientific rigor and relevance.

During the conference, Lily’s presentation of her research findings drew significant attention from academics and industry professionals alike. Her project not only showcased innovative approaches to nerve regeneration but also demonstrated the potential impact of her work on the field of biomedical engineering. The high quality of her research earned Lily the 3rd Place Best Paper award overall, making it the highest-ranked submission from high school students at the event—a remarkable recognition of her dedication and skill in STEM.