By Sondra Barr

At Paradise Valley High School, a group of students is proving that the future of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is in good hands. The CREST program, a four-year Honors STEM initiative, challenges young minds to explore real-world problems through hands-on learning. But beyond the rigorous academics, it’s the students themselves who make CREST truly exceptional.

A Community of Thinkers and Innovators

For 17-year-old Pranav Raj Vippagunta, a junior studying computer science, CREST is a launchpad for the future. “I choose to join the CREST program because I wanted to immerse myself in an environment where I could push the boundaries of my knowledge and expertise,” Pranav says. His passion for coding led him to develop BioExplorer, a Java-based application that analyzes bioinformatics data. “Through this experience, I learned the importance of debugging, optimizing code for efficiency, and integrating statistical methods into software. Beyond technical skills, this project reinforced the value of perseverance, problem-solving, and teamwork, skills that are very much needed in our modern world.”

For seniors like 18-year-old Jan Dwayne Cacnio, CREST offered the unique opportunity to merge disciplines. He collaborated with a bioscience student on a biomedical engineering solution for Valley Fever detection, combining digital electronics and biotechnology. “I think what I learned most from the experience was just how much intersection lies between various STEM disciplines and how significant it was to have multiple perspectives and insights in devising a solution,” Jan says.

STEM Beyond the Classroom

The CREST experience goes far beyond traditional lectures and exams. Students engage in professional-level research, collaborate with industry experts, and even lead extracurricular initiatives. Ryan Hunt, a junior in computer science, turned his love for programming into a fully functional app. “The coolest project I have worked on so far was probably my high school fantasy football app I made for AP CSA. From the class and the project, I learned the coding language of Java. I also learned how to create a website just from code. My project also required a lot of problem-solving, while working through different databases and figuring out how to make my app look nice,” Ryan says.

For Sajani Patel, a 17-year-old senior in the bioscience track, CREST has opened doors to new career possibilities. “At first, I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but CREST has shown me there is so much more to bioscience beyond medicine,” Sajani says. One of her most exciting projects involved researching the effects of natural extracts on biofilms to combat periodontitis. “It was fascinating because it was so different from my future goal in sports medicine. Despite starting with no background knowledge, the research process and seeing significant results after hard work and many trials made it incredibly rewarding.”

Learning Through Collaboration and Mentorship

Collaboration is a cornerstone of CREST, and students credit their teachers and mentors for guiding them through challenges. “One of my biggest challenges in Honors Computer Science was designing a pathfinding algorithm for our CodeBots,” Pranav says. “Initially, my approach was inefficient, and the bot kept getting stuck in loops. After hours of trial and error, I turned to pseudocode and broke the problem down into smaller, testable functions. By incorporating Dijkstra’s Algorithm and refining my logic, I was finally able to get the bot to navigate optimally.” This experience, he adds, reinforced the importance of patience, systematic debugging, and seeking out multiple solutions before settling on the best one.

For Sajani, mentorship extends far beyond the classroom. “Through CREST, I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Stacey Weiss from the University of Puget Sound, who has guided me in an internship studying antifungal properties in reptile microbiomes,” she says. She explains that working with a university mentor has given her valuable insight into scientific research and allowed her to gain hands-on experience she never expected to have in high school.

Preparing for the Future

CREST provides students with practical skills that extend beyond the classroom, equipping them for college and careers. Jan, who plans to study climate system science and engineering, credits the program with fueling his interest in sustainability. “Through CREST, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how STEM can address environmental challenges, and that’s exactly the direction I want to pursue,” he says.

Ryan, who intends to major in computer science, appreciates how CREST introduces students to industry professionals and real-world applications. “Connecting with professionals and learning about different technology fields has helped me determine which areas of computer science truly interest me,” he says.”

Sajani credits CREST with fostering her leadership skills and encouraging her to take on new challenges. “Through CREST, I joined HOSA and took on a state leadership role,” she says. “The unwavering support from my teachers and peers gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone and embrace leadership opportunities.”

Advice for Future CREST Students

When asked what advice they’d give to younger students considering CREST, the response is clear––embrace the opportunity. “CREST is not just a school program; it’s a transformative journey,” Pranav says. Jan, who worked with a bioscience student on a biomedical engineering solution for Valley Fever detection, encourages students to explore different STEM fields. “Don’t be afraid to try new things. You might start in one track and discover a passion for something completely different,” he says.

Sajani highlights the strong support system within CREST. “At CREST, everyone is in your corner, rooting for your success,” she says. “The friendships, mentorship, and skills you gain will help you succeed in college and beyond.”

For students looking to challenge themselves, build a strong foundation for the future, and be part of an inspiring community, CREST is the place to be.

For more information, visit pvhs.pvschools.net/academics/crest.