Narrow the question
Turn a broad interest into a testable question with clearly measurable variables.
ANONYMIZED OUTCOME RECORD 01
From a Research Question to the ISEF Global Finals
A combined, anonymized record of two ISEF Global Finalists. Student names, schools, and full project titles remain private; the record focuses on the research path and verified outcomes.
HOW DR. LI GUIDES
Build the student's ability—do not do the work for them.
This record shows what Dr. Li examines at critical milestones. Topic, experimental conditions, and timing vary by student; past outcomes are not future guarantees.
Design before collecting
Review controls, replication, error sources, safety, and ethics before formal data collection.
Close the evidence loop
Preserve raw data, failed trials, and reasons for iteration rather than reverse-engineering experiments from a preferred conclusion.
Prepare an independent defense
The student must explain every figure, limitation, and next validation step independently.
WHAT FAMILIES AND COUNSELORS CAN VERIFY
Judge project quality through process evidence.
- Original data and failed trials are preserved
- Variables, controls, and replication are designed before experimentation
- The student can explain every figure and limitation
- Claims remain proportional to the evidence
BEGIN WITH AN HONEST ASSESSMENT