Testimonials
"I still remember the beaming smiles on my students' faces when I met them during their 6-day residential camp. As I asked about their experiences, their eyes lit up, and they eagerly shared stories of the activity-based sessions they'd enjoyed. One student exclaimed, 'Ma'am, we're learning so much, but it doesn't feel like learning at all!' Another chimed in, 'We're making new friends, and the facilitators are amazing!' Seeing my students thrive in an environment that fostered growth, teamwork, and joy was truly heartwarming. In that moment, I knew that this camp was more than just an educational experience – it was a transformative journey that would stay with them for years to come."
- Bhagyashri Naik, Teacher. Govt. Higher secondary school Canacona Goa, PSIL 2025 pedagogy trainee
"I recall after the program, a student telling me that she was both surprised and excited that Harvard students were coming to teach. She said that the program gave her a broader sense of the world and opportunities. That exchange exemplifies what PSIL has done and will continue to do. For me, this program gave me new perspectives and experiences that has and will continue to shape the way I view opportunities, education, and mentorship." - Ellen Zhang, 2019 PSIL Instructor
"As the Head Teaching Assistant in the program, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how valuable PSIL’s curriculum was for the participating high school students. Scientifically-inspired learning is crucial in today’s world where research and development hold the key to the future. The more young minds involved in research, the more promising our future becomes, and this program provided the perfect platform for inquisitive young minds to explore and learn. I also feel that PSIL helps reduce the knowledge gap (both scientific and cultural) between the developing and the developed worlds; the global south and the global north. Finally, on a personal level, my perspective toward life and career has gained a new edge after the program." - Toijam Diana, 2019 PSIL Instructor fellow
We asked, “What was your favorite part of PSIL?” Students answered…
“It was so fun and informative.”
“I became more confident towards others.”
“The opportunity to meet incredible people.”
“Sam's lecture on creative problem solving taught me how to approach things efficiently and solve them instead of going straight into it blindly.”
“Everything's different and new and exciting, especially the egg drop challenge.”
“The chance to meet new friends and new people. It helped me learn more about the outside world.”
“I feel like I've grown more as a person after attending.”
“Chris's lecture about public speaking inspired me.”
"The real highlight of our time in Manipur was working with the high school students. It was incredible watching students open up over the course of the week. Some who didn’t say a word for the first day-or-so of the program were, by our second-to-last day, singing, dancing, and presenting magic tricks to everyone at our talent show." - Sam Kessler, 2019 PSIL Instructor
"Serving as a student-teacher as part of the inaugural Program for Scientifically-Inspired Leadership (PSIL) last January was truly a transformational experience. The trip, which included ten days in Kolkata, Imphal and surrounding areas including Loktak Lake, and New Delhi, as well as enriching experiences such as working on teams to design curriculum, teaching high school students, visiting cultural sites, and learning about Manipuri culture from our teaching assistants, has definitely shaped my undergraduate experience in invaluable, impactful, and unforgettable ways." - Allison Pao, 2019 and 2020 PSIL Instructor