European Nights of Research: BH Futures Foundation Scholars Lead the Way!
The European Nights of Research is an annual celebration of science and innovation across Europe, bringing together researchers, enthusiasts, and young minds to experience the wonders of STEM. This year, volunteers from the BH Futures Foundation participated, showcasing their passion for science through hands-on experiments and interactive demonstrations. Our Junior Scholar, Lara Sović shared her experiences and reflections on being part of this event, detailing her role, memorable moments, and the impact it has had on her STEM journey.
Exploring Science Through Practical Experience
When asked about what she learned from participating, she shared that the event allowed her to dive into various physics experiments, bridging the gap between theory and practice. "Through this experience, I learned a lot about various physics experiments, where I had the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practice.” This practical approach has not only enhanced her understanding of physics but also strengthened her motivation to tackle future STEM challenges with confidence.
Memorable Moments with Curious Young Minds
Among the many highlights, one moment stood out to Lara: a group of young children eagerly engaged with her experiment, asking insightful questions that she hadn’t anticipated. "Their curiosity and enthusiasm for science left a special impression on me, and there I realized how important it is to involve children in similar activities, as this encourages their creativity and interest in STEM."
Taking the Lead in Science Education
Her role at the event involved presenting the Van de Graaff generator experiment, a choice that allowed her to demonstrate basic physics principles to young attendees. Adapting her presentation style for different age groups was challenging yet rewarding. She remarked, "Although it was challenging, I am glad that everyone was satisfied in the end and that they took away new knowledge." Through this role, Lara learned how to communicate complex ideas in a simple and engaging way, leaving an impression on the young minds who participated.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Encouraging other young people to join similar events, Lara mentioned the immense personal and professional growth such experiences provide. "I would definitely recommend all young people to participate in similar events or projects, as they can always learn something new, meet great people, and make new friendships. Moreover, such activities contribute to our community and provide an excellent experience for all science enthusiasts, while also opening doors for future opportunities."
Connections and Community Building
Beyond the scientific demonstrations, she was thrilled to meet new people, including other members of the BH Futures Foundation. These interactions were a source of inspiration and reinforced her commitment to being actively involved in the STEM community. Building these connections has added depth to her experience and motivated her to participate in similar projects in the future. "I definitely met many new people during the event, and I found it interesting to hear their perspectives and experiences since we all share similar interests."
Shaping a STEM Future with BH Futures Foundation
Through the opportunities provided by the BH Futures Foundation, she envisions a bright future in STEM. The foundation has offered her access to workshops, projects, and mentors, allowing her to refine her skills and deepen her knowledge. She expressed her gratitude. "I see my future in STEM as very successful due to the exceptional opportunities that BHFF provides me. From various workshops and projects to meeting experts and my mentor, I am sure I can develop my skills and learn something new that will contribute to my professional growth. I believe that through these opportunities, I will be able to achieve my ambitions and gain experiences that will help me contribute to significant innovations in the STEM community." With the foundation’s support, she’s confident that she will be able to make meaningful contributions to the STEM field and realize her ambitions.
As she looks ahead, this volunteer’s journey through the European Nights of Research stands as a testament to the importance of experiential learning, the power of community, and the boundless possibilities that await young innovators in STEM. Through initiatives like these, the BH Futures Foundation continues to empower and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.
Lara Sović, Junior Scholar BHFF
Lara Sovic, a 19-year-old Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Sarajevo, brings her enthusiasm for science and innovation to the BH Futures Foundation. With a strong passion for UI design and an impressive background in physics and programming, Lara exemplifies a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. Her experience includes participation in various physics camps and coding competitions, as well as working as a freelance UI designer. As a Junior Scholar with the BH Futures Foundation, Lara is dedicated to using her skills to inspire and engage others in the world of STEM, embodying the foundation's mission to empower young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina. is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.