Real Science, Real Results: LPS senior Malcolm shines at Science Focus Program

February 18, 2026

It would take a million microscopes to identify all the successful cells of knowledge that Science Focus Program senior Malcolm shares with his school community.
 
Malcolm has become a leader on the Science Focus Program (SFP) campus with his supportive and scholarly approach to every situation. He has excelled in subjects ranging from chemistry to pre-calculus, handled classroom responsibilities as a teaching assistant and filled a key role on the school’s Science Olympiad team. He is planning to work in a scientific research laboratory for his career.
 
Malcolm, who also attends Northeast High School, said his SFP experiences have been both enriching and encouraging.
 
“I really like it here,” Malcolm said. “It’s amazing to have smaller classes and a lot more focused classes. You get to learn about science a lot and get to hang out with like-minded people. It’s fun.”

Science Focus Program senior Malcolm stands in front of a whiteboard and poster in a classroom. The poster has a title of “How Science Works” and includes a model showing how exploration, gathering data and community analysis come together to make scientific knowledge.

Science Focus Program teacher Emily Seifferlein helps seniors Malcolm and Tyler set up a physics experiment. They are planning to measure several types of weights on a classroom table.
 
SFP Administrator Lindsey Roy and SFP teacher Emily Seifferlein said they have been impressed with Malcolm’s ability to acquire information and share it with his classmates. He regularly pursues independent study projects, provides tutoring services to other students and offers them a listening ear when challenges arise.
 
“He really exemplifies what we’re trying to do here in terms of the community of learners that we build,” Seifferlein said. “He shows how we’re helping everyone to reach their goals by working together.”
 
“Malcolm has come out of his shell in this program,” Roy said. “He takes the lead for his own learning and the learning of others. He is invested in helping this community succeed.”

Science Focus Program senior Malcolm uses both hands to calibrate a weight in his science classroom. He is planning to place the weight on an electronic scale that is laying on the table in front of him.

From left, Science Focus Program seniors Tyler and Malcolm work on a physics experiment. Tyler is holding several ring-shaped weights with his left hand.
 
Malcolm has joined a long list of Lincoln Public Schools students who have benefited from their time at SFP. Approximately 100 students from all eight LPS high schools are enrolled in the program, which takes place in a spacious building at Lincoln Children’s Zoo. They complete standard, differential and Advanced Placement classes in science, math, English and social studies on campus.
 
SFP students spend their first several class periods at their home high schools each day. They then travel to SFP by either car or bus for academic courses, research projects and community outreach opportunities. Many students also earn chances to showcase scientific knowledge at regional, state and national conferences throughout the year.
 
Malcolm said his SFP courses and activities have prepared him well for his future plans. He has become familiar with standard research processes used by scientists across the globe. Students apply these core principles in hands-on courses that teach them about data points, methodologies and how to use scientific instruments.
 
“We have research classes every year, and those teach you how to do research,” Malcolm said. “They’re amazing. I’ve learned how to set up an unbiased study, how to conduct statistical analyses and how to present research.”

From left, Science Focus Program seniors Tyler and Malcolm use a ruler to measure the length of a weight that they will place on an electronic scale. Malcolm is holding the ruler with his right hand and the weight with his left hand.

Science Focus Program senior Malcolm stands next to a poster that talks about the process behind scientific explanations. The poster lists three main categories of claim, evidence and reasoning.
 
The SFP setup also provides opportunities for students like Malcolm to sharpen their teamwork and communication skills. During one afternoon, Malcolm and classmate Tyler completed a physics experiment that involved measuring different types of weights. They discussed possible solutions to the problem, recorded results from each test and arrived at an agreement about their final answers.
 
Seifferlein said Malcolm has displayed those types of engaging traits throughout the past four years.
 
“He’s such a kind, helpful person in class,” Seifferlein said. “You’ll ask him if he can help another student or help getting labs set up, and he’s always willing to do it. Any little thing that might need done, it’s always followed up with a ‘For sure.’”
 
Malcolm has also been a leader with the school’s Science Olympiad program. Teams compete in 23 events that encompass a wide cross-section of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. SFP students are well-equipped for those contests because of their daily classroom activities.
 
Malcolm helped SFP win the Nebraska Science Olympiad Tournament championship each of the past two years. The group competed in national tournaments at Michigan State University in 2024 and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2025 after capturing their state titles.
 
Group activities such as Science Olympiad have given Malcolm many happy memories. SFP students travel to UNL each year for a Fascination of Plant Day experience, and they catalogue the biodiversity of local ecosystems through the BioBlitz program. They also participate in many schoolwide events like a fall picnic, scientific field day, creek cleanup program and senior celebration dinner.
 
“There’s a lot of community, and you form some close connections,” Malcolm said.

Science Focus Program senior Malcolm works with classmate Tyler on a physics experiment. At left, Tyler is using his left hand to count the number of metal bands on an electronic weight. In the middle, Malcolm is using his left hand to measure the amount of weight that is currently on the scale.

From left, Science Focus Program seniors Tyler and Malcolm work on a physics experiment in their classroom. Both are wearing safety goggles and are looking at a series of weights. Malcolm has a digital display for the electronic weight system in front of him.
 
Seifferlein said she believes Malcolm has built a remarkable resume with his work in his SFP classes, projects and events. She felt he would join the long list of SFP alumni who have made important contributions in their career fields.
 
“He’ll go into his future with a plan and a determined trajectory to just get things done,” Seifferlein said. “I have no doubt that he’s going to go on and do well in college and accomplish great things. No doubt.”
 
LPS Focus Programs are one way students can customize their learning. Explore our Science Focus Program. 
 
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Published: February 18, 2026, Updated: February 27, 2026

Science

Science Focus Program senior Malcolm works with classmate Tyler on a physics experiment this winter. He has become a leader on campus with his supportive and scholarly approach to every situation.