
About Us
Research to Empower (ReTE) is a student-led nonprofit dedicated to addressing the lack of accessible research education for underserved K-12 students. ReTE provides a cost-free, scalable, and entry-level curriculum supported by engaging workbooks, podcasts, and videos, equipping students with essential research skills in just 10–20 hours. To make learning more engaging, cartoon characters—Turtle Tru and Cat River—are featured in workshops and workbooks. Upon completing the curriculum, students develop their first independent research or passion projects, tackle local issues, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
Leadership

Founder, CEO
Grace C. Liu
is a student at Stanford University passionate about technology, AI, finance, and entrepreneurship. She has conducted research through institutions including Princeton, Stanford, Duke, and Kingston University London, resulting in multiple peer-reviewed publications. Her book, Research to Empower, published by Post Hill Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster, became an Amazon #1 New Release in Teen & Young Adult Education. As a United Nations and TEDx speaker, Grace has presented at the United Nations, the International Telecommunication Union, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Science Summit, inspiring audiences in more than 150 countries. Her work has also been featured by CBS, News 12, TED, and Newsday.

Co-Founder, COO
Jessica C. Liu
is a climate risk student researcher, internationally award-winning artist, and published book author who is passionate about using research, art, and storytelling to promote environmental awareness, education equity, and youth engagement in sustainable development. As a member of the New York Academy of Sciences Junior Academy, she explores how climate science, data, and technology can help young people better understand environmental risks and take informed action.

Director of Research Technology & Development
Shaan Yu
is a dedicated developer on a mission to create software that makes a meaningful impact on the world. His work spans across various cutting-edge technologies, including React, JavaScript, Python, and Machine Learning, among others. He's driven by the belief that technology can transform lives, and he strives to build solutions that not only meet functional needs but also contribute to a better future. Whether it's crafting dynamic web applications or developing intelligent systems, his focus is always on delivering innovative and impactful digital experiences.

Director of Publications,
Research Knowledge Curator
Elise Mowbray
is a high school student in Texas with a passion for research and the behavioral sciences. Having taken psychology and neuroscience coursework at Sarah Lawrence College, Northwestern State, and Vanderbilt, she values learning about and sharing classic psychology experiments and cutting-edge research. Along with conducting original research, she helps peers prepare for careers by curating valuable educational experiences.

Regional Impact Leader & Executive Coordinator
Simon Lukalo
is dedicated to advancing fairness, inclusivity, and gender equality in education and sustainable development in Kenya. With expertise in Economics, Finance and data analytics, he drives strategic policy through an integrated and multi-sectoral approach, focusing on sustainability, AI, green financing and Climate risk financing. Passionate about innovative research, Simon contributes to impactful projects that foster long-term, sustainable change.

Regional Impact Leader & Executive Coordinator
Amanda Gil Puebla
is a 16-year-old Spanish student pursuing the International Baccalaureate in the UK.
She is passionate about science, especially quantum physics, neuroscience, and astronomy. She has participated in some research projects and was part of the 2023 World Science Scholars Cohort. She also loves mathematics, having taken part in the ESTALMAT program. Outside academics, She has been involved in community and volunteering projects.

Regional Impact Leader & Executive Coordinator
Fahad Alghannam
is 17 years old and from Saudi Arabia. He has led community organization initiatives that aim to create environmental changes. Furthermore, he is interested in materials science and engineering; this makes him eager to figure out how these two can be beneficial in ensuring that the world remains sustainable.

Regional Impact Leader & Executive Coordinator
Musa Konneh
is a passionate advocate for human, women’s, and children’s rights in Sierra Leone. He serves as Continental Youth Director for the Ken G Morka Foundation, National Director for Youth in Leadership Transformation Africa, and Programme Director of the Movement for Education and Advocacy Network Salone. With extensive experience in human rights advocacy, safeguarding, and project management, Musa has led key initiatives to promote education and social justice across various sectors.

​Regional Impact Leader & Executive Coordinator
Rajan Poudel
is a passionate tech & research enthusiast from Nepal. He is the CEO & Founder of GlobSoft Inc, developing innovative open-source solutions. He is actively involved in various tech and science initiatives and serves as an ambassador for IAAC , IYMC and GYA. Rajan has worked as a co-editor for a journal (Ank. Sci. High. 2024, 01, 211-258) and released two papers at such a young age. He is dedicated to leadership, community service, and academic excellence.

Regional Impact Leader & Executive Coordinator
Jinan Seifeldeen
is a passionate teenage dreamer from Lebanon, with a love for the stars and curiosity about the universe. With a solid background in astrophysics, experience in leadership at NASA Space Apps, and a drive for improvement, it is her mission to contribute to scientific knowledge while fostering a collaborative environment that encourages the next generation of researchers to reach their full potential.

Research Knowledge Curator
Mary Vongkyem
is a Certified Animal Health Technologist from Nigeria. She is deeply passionate about research and the one health approach. Focused on the connections between animals, humans and environmental health, she works to enhance disease prevention and treatment. Through her passion for research, she aims to contribute to global well-being and advanced holistic health across all species.

Director of Technology Development
Margaret Zhang
is a high school student from New York, has been fascinated in the magical world of mathematics and worked hard on it. Her strong ability and great interest in logic-based problem-solving led to her entrance and exploration of Computer Science. She has been involved in BNL Life Science Research Program in the summer. She believes technology research experience is key for young students to open a broader view of the future world and working as a community would bring more strength to move forward undoubtedly.

Director of Local Partnership
Scout Chen
is a freshman student at Brown University, is a dedicated student researcher, an active local community service member, a local and nationally-touring and performing Rockstar, and nationally recognized photographer. His research contributions have earned recognition not only at local events but also on the international stage, including prestigious platforms like the Long Island Science Congress and the International Symposium on Molecular Medicine.

Regional Impact Leader & Executive Coordinator
Kofi Ahenkora Asiamah
is a seasoned Data Analyst, Economist and Financial Engineer with 5 years of experience from Ghana. He specializes in financial modeling, business strategy, and data analysis. Kofi has served in Senior roles across diverse sectors, including Research, technology, renewable energy, and construction. He holds an MSc in Financial Engineering, BA in Economics and Political Science and other Certificate.

Software Engineer
Tresor Dokloh
is an aspiring software engineer with hands-on experience in front-end development, IT support, and AI integration. He has interned at MAD-Learn, where he developed educational coding programs, authored blog posts, and contributed to AI chatbot development. Tresor also gained experience as an IT Support Intern at C.W. Matthews, where he managed software applications, provided technical support, and oversaw network setup. A proficient coder in JavaScript, Python, and Django, Tresor has also developed various projects, including a clothing size estimator and an AI blog generator.

Software Engineer
Dan Baturyn
is a dedicated web developer who built multiple websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, honing his skills in front-end development. Currently, he continues to expand by learning Python and C#, aiming to deepen his understanding of programming. His goal is to leverage technology to make a positive impact on the world, combining his passion for coding with a desire to drive innovation and meaningful change.

Software Engineer
Andrew Miller
is a skilled full-stack web developer with a focus on building engaging and efficient user experiences. Proficient in technologies like JavaScript, Python, and frameworks such as Next.js, Express.js, and Flask, he has developed innovative web applications, including AI-powered tools that assist users in preparing for coding interviews and teach them how to code. Andrew is deeply interested in AI and is committed to creating a better world through both his technical projects and volunteering efforts. He is particularly passionate about making a positive impact in education and continuously seeks opportunities to contribute to a better future.

Artificial Intelligence Researcher
Hikmat Budha Chhetri
is a final-year undergraduate student at Mid-West University in Nepal, highly dedicated to tech innovation and research. Actively engaged in climate action, climate diplomacy, public policy, and education, Hikmat is passionate about leveraging AI to drive meaningful impact.
Ambassadors

Mary V.
Nigeria

Yue-chi M.
Nepal

Mahdi E.
Algeria

Wangdi R.
Bhutan

Rajan P.
Nepal

Brandon H.
USA

Abu S.
Bangladesh

Robert L.
USA

Hafsa A.
USA

Yara H.
The United Kingdom


Ela M.
Turkey
Diyorbek S.
Uzbekistan


Precious P.
Philippines
Ada U.
Turkey

Djilali A.
Algeria

Aadrita S.
Bangladesh

Asmaul F.
Bangladesh
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Sheyna P.
USA

Hassan H.
Iraq

Anwar A.
Egypt

Muhammad A.
India

Imrane N.
Marocco

Emmanuel J.
Uganda

Mhammoud F.
Sudan

Mihika T.
United Arab Emirates

Debnil P.
India

Latifa B.
Kazakhstan

Mim J.
Bangladesh

Ottimax M.
Kenya

Pushti M.
India

Helen S.
Eygpt

Boudaa L.
Algeria

Callidora D. P.
Indonesia

Kato E. M. K.
Uganda

Efren B. M.
Peru

Mikael G.
Ethiopia

Prabhjot S.
India

Radha M.
India

Amir H.
Iraq

Chengnuo Z.
China

Wandaw S.
Uganda

Amogh R.
India

Abderraouf L.
Algeria

Shahreen N.
Pakistan

Muhammad Y.
Pakistan

Denise G.D.R.M.
Mexico

Qadeer U.
Pakistan

Minnal M.
Pakistan

Yiduo L.
China

Afthon H.
Indonesia

Peter A.
Ghana

Millet P.
Philippines

Angiely V.
Philippines

Alex C.
USA

Owen E.
Kenya

Joey Z.
USA

Fatima A.
Morocco

Bilal R.
Pakistan

Shershah M.
Afghanistan

Tamale A.
Uganda

Azan S.
Pakistan

Aisha N.
Turkey

Hunadi N.
South Africa

Gowhar S.
Afghanistan

Beydanur Ç.
Turkey

George R.
Kenya

Aparna B.
Inida

Oussama B.
Morocco

Gloria M.
Kenya

Fatih Ö.
Türkiye

Sabrina D.
Argentina

Mehdi H.
Morocoo
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Shahrizoda K.
Uzbekistan

Annah R.
Kenya

Ahmed A.
Jordan

Rosa G.
USA

Kam S.
Burkina Faso

Hewa O.
Iraq

Taha S. M. H.
Algeria

Niha, N.
Pakistan

Amouri Z.
Algeria

Apdiaziz K. A.
Somalia

Henok S.
Ethiopia

Akshat B.
India

Nail A.
Azerbaijan

Ratana R. C.
India

Paul C.
Nigeria

L'houcine O.
Morocoo

Ashley E.
USA

Pandikoti S.
India

Devaryle M.
Kenya

Maram G.
Tunisa

Doaae I.
Morocoo

Efe Y.
Turkey

Olivia C.
USA

Summer G.
Pakistan

Arya P.
​The United Arab Emirates

Lance L.
China

Jinhan L.
USA

Sunday C.
Nigeria

Aafaq A.
India

Shenghe W.
China

Jade R.
Spain

Henry X.
USA

Purvi S.
Singapore

Hikmat C.
Nepal

Sujan T.
Nepal

Simon L.
Kenya

Catherine L.
USA

Hasanat A.
Pakistan

Gracious M.
Uganda

Mahveen H.
Bangladesh

Pham N.
Vietnam

Saidafzal S.
Uzbekistan

Muntaha N.
Pakistan

Nefise C.
Turkey

Taher F.
Algeria

Adel A.
Egypt

Julien D.
Bénin


Sujie L.
China

Nadine A.
Indonesia

Murtaza N.
India

Aamna Q.
Pakistan

Amini I.
Burundi

Muniza K.
Pakistan

Muhammad J.
Pakistan

Emilia O.
Ecuador

Heithem C.
Algeria

Manel C.
Algeria

Mannan A.
Pakistan

Yerkezhan B.
Kazakhstan

Manuela M.
Brazil

Uddipta K.
India

Abdulrahman A.
Egypt

Ann I.
Nigeria

Aina R.
Madagascar

Angelina M.
Ukraine

Lucas R.
Ecuador

Jeremias S.
Mozambique

Sophia P.
Peru

Aya A.
Jordan

Saad J.
Pakistan

John M.
Kenya

Ghaidak A.
Syria

Asmita S.
UK

Dan J.
Ireland

Areebarafique M.
Pakistan
Farouk A.
Egypt

Keems K.
Kenya

Ashif S.
India

Houssni I.
Morocco

Sharon H.
Nigeria

Nicole L.
Uganda

Tinotenda M.
Zimbabwe

Habiba S.
Pakistan

Shaimaa G.
Algeria

Yacine D.
Algeria

Faiz B.
Algeria

Ban A.
Jordan

Afnan A.
Pakistan

Vincent I.
Rwanda

Isaiah H.
USA

Saif A. S.
Iraq

Neha P.
India

Mian A.
Pakistan

Diya A.
India

Nursulton R.
Uzbekistan

Rajeswari B.
India

Pranavi G.
Hong Kong

Chimi C.
Bhutan

Jalli M.
Morocoo

Araina Z.
Pakistan

Aamiin C.
Somalia

Hussnain A.
Pakistan

Bless A.
Ghana

M. Umar R.K.
Pakistan

Radhad A.
Saudi Arabia

Summer G.
Pakistan

Xurshidbek T.
Uzbekistan

Promise O.
Nigeria

Ramis S. S.
Bangladesh

Mohajasha B.
Bangladesh

Nuhamen Z.
Ethiopia

Ayushman G.
India

Angie E.
USA

Mani K.
India

Mabrouk S.
Tunisia

Rahma I.
Iraq

Chakar K.
Pakistan

Sara B.
Pakistan

Wema A.
Tanzania

Fiza R.
Pakistan
The Story of ReTE
A Note from Grace & Jessica
You are welcome
to share ReTE flyer!

" I grew up in suburban New York surrounded by first-generational families who truly had their lives changed by education. This taught me how to appreciate education and the diversity in it.
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But even so, I ended up being the only girl on a research team. Throughout my research journey, I faced many challenges and was on the precipice of giving up countless times. But after I pushed through, I realized the beauty of research and how empowering it can be to learn it.
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The costs of learning research with proper support and mentorship are still sky-high though. That’s why, after learning wonders through my own research experience and seeing the frustration of so many young researchers like me, I founded Research To Empower. I hope to share research, a tool for empowerment, among my peers in my community and around the world.
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So, thank you, dear reader, for spending precious time learning about this initiative and supporting it. ❤️"
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- Grace
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"My story began before I could remember it. I was born during Hurricane Sandy, when my family lost power and heat for two weeks. My parents held me through cold, uncertain nights, and although I don’t remember it, the storm became part of who I am.
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As I grew older, I began to see climate risks not as distant events, but as real experiences affecting families and communities. I wanted to understand them, and more importantly, to do something about them. But when I tried to pursue research, I faced many barriers: few accessible programs, and opportunities that were often too expensive, too competitive, or limited by age.
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Through it all, I realized I wasn’t alone. Millions of students face these same challenges every day. That’s why I co-founded Research to Empower, to make research accessible to all, especially underserved students, so they can ask questions, explore their ideas, and begin their first research projects to create change in their communities and beyond.
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Thank you for being part of this journey and for believing in the power of young people to make a difference. ❤️"
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-Jessica
SUPPORTED BY
Africa Science Buskers Festival
Amadeus International School, Vienna
American Academy for Girls, United Arab Emirates
American School of Warsaw, Poland
Berry Hill Elementary School, New York, USA
British School of Phuket, Thailand
Brookhouse Schools, Kenya
Concordian International School Bangkok, Thailand
Dwight School Seoul, Republic of Korea
Eerde International Boarding School, The Netherlands
Eloquence Academy, USA
German European School, Singapore
Global Girls Convergence
Global Youth Challenge
Greenfield International School, United Arab Emirates
Hofstra University, USA
International School of Dakar, Senegal
International School Rijnlands Lyceum, The Netherlands
K. International School Tokyo, Japan
Kingston University London, UK
Maartenscollege Haren, The Netherlands
Myanmar International School Yangon, Myanmar
Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools System, Kazakhstan
New Energy Education, New York, USA
NOVUS Case Competition, the Philippines
Pathways World School, India
Pentecost University, Ghana
Sotogrande International School, Spain
St. Christopher's International School, Kenya
Sunrise Academy, China
Syosset High School, New York, USA
Syosset Library, New York, USA
The International School of Barbados, Barbados
The International School of the Hage, The Netherlands
Tzu Chi Academy of Long Island in New York, USA
Vienna International School, Austria
Vinschool Education System, Vietnam
Wellington Senior School, China
Windhoek International School, Namibia
Yew Chung International School of Shanghai, China
Zimbabwe Science Fair
and more...

