Meet the Chief Science Officers: High School STEM Leaders Shaping the Future

On this episode of Go! For Launch, hosts Audrey and MacKenzie are joined by two extraordinary high school leaders, Sophia and Michelle, who serve as Chief Science Officers through SciTech Institute’s international CSO program. From organizing STEM fairs to meeting with elected officials, these student changemakers are redefining what youth leadership looks like—and showing how young people can spark real impact in their communities.

Sophia and Michelle share how they each found their way into STEM, what it means to be a Chief Science Officer, and why creating action plans has transformed their perspective on leadership, communication, and possibility. Whether they’re designing healthcare innovations or presenting at national conferences, these two are walking proof that curiosity, initiative, and collaboration can unlock powerful opportunities—at any age.

You’ll also hear how the CSO program prepares students to lead, travel, and advocate for issues that matter, and how Sophia and Michelle are already thinking ahead to futures in biomedical research, AI, and regenerative medicine. If you’re a student (or know one) who’s looking to lead with purpose, this is the episode to press play on.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. What the Chief Science Officers program is—and how to get involved

2. How action plans help students build real-world leadership and technical skills

3. The power of student voice in shaping schools, policy, and community engagement

4. Why exposure to conferences, travel, and networking is critical for young scientists

5. What regenerative medicine and AI in healthcare could mean for the future

Timestamps:

00:00:34 – Meet Sophia and Michelle: future biomedical innovators

00:01:29 – What a Chief Science Officer is—and what they do

00:03:10 – How they each discovered STEM and the CSO program

00:05:45 – How to start a CSO chapter at your school

00:08:11 – What is an “action plan” and why it matters

00:10:11 – Favorite projects and building momentum across schools

00:12:19 – Real-world lessons in leadership and professional growth

00:14:38 – From Florida to Chicago to D.C.: learning to lead on the road

00:16:05 – Talking with elected officials and advocating for STEM

00:17:40 – Reflections on growth and community impact

00:20:19 – Opportunities that emerged because of the CSO program

00:22:35 – Advice for students who want to lead and make a difference

00:25:32 – What’s next: colleges, careers, and continuing the mission

00:31:07 – What excites them most about biotech and healthcare

00:34:17 – Curiosities that keep them up at night—from environmental justice to unknowable science

Helpful Links:

• SciTech Institute’s Chief Science Officers Program – https://scitechinstitute.org/chief-science-officers/

• National STEM Ecosystems – https://stemecosystems.org/

• MIT InvenTeams – https://lemelson.mit.edu/inventeams

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