Greeley’s Science Research program is a pillar representing our district’s commitment to excellence in STEM. Recently, the program took on a new logo, designed by new research teacher Mr. Jerry Zupan. Unlike the previous logo, which only included the words “Science Research” wrapped around the navy blue G that characterizes our school, the new design now also depicts multiple areas of STEM with small icons, but keeps the iconic navy blue G and the circular arrangement.

The design process for the new symbol of Science Research started during the summer of 2023. Mr. Zupan sought advice from principal Dr. Sepe and other administrators, STEAM Center Director & art teacher Mr. Arnold, and teachers of the science department, “to ensure that everything was done correctly and that the logo [would] be one that stays for a very long time,” according to Mr. Zupan. Moreover, through talking with Dr. Sepe, he learned that the navy blue G was an integral part in representing Greeley, and kept it front and center in the new design.

Originally, Mr. Zupan was inspired to modernize the science research logo based on his previous experiences teaching science research at Putnam Valley High School, where the logo was “pretty much on everything”, branded on water bottles to sweatshirts, and almost like a “badge of honor” for research students, as Mr. Zupan shared. The design on various merch items, which students carried or donned around school, helped them identify other peers who were part of the program, as well as made them feel supported from different staff members who wore the logo, something he hoped to carry into Greeley. Behind his inspiration was also the fact that he had helped design his old school’s logo, giving him experience while designing Greeley’s.

To make sure the opinions of all 110 students in the research program were represented as best as possible, Mr. Zupan spent some time during the first two weeks of school surveying students about different aspects of the logo, having them rate separate fonts, icons, and shapes of the new arrangement. The logo will be printed on merchandise ordered by students and staff, meant to be assimilated into students’ daily life in the form of “stickers or clothes or anything that students would feel pride wearing,” a goal best achieved through recording diverse student opinions. His hard work seems to have paid off, as many research students appreciate the new design. “It looks good,” says junior science research student Meadow Zhang. “I’m excited to wear it.”