Our Mission

From salt to proteins to DNA

Crystallography and structure determination are important for anticancer research and drug discovery.

Seeing the rising importance of structural biology, we have dedicated this organization to crystal-growing outreach and generating student interest in crystallography. In fact, in the last three years, we have hosted over seven different events and activities, such as our annual crystal-growing competitions and crystal-growing summer camps, with over 350+ student participants. We have also presented at several STEM teacher conferences to help share the crystal-growing message with teachers as well.

In 2021, the American Crystallographic Association were so kind as to provide over $1000 in in-kind donations to support our 2020 annual crystal-growing competition awards ceremony, for which the excited, jubilant students as well as the organization officers were very thankful for. 

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In the last four years, we have been growing inorganic crystals, such as aluminum potassium sulfate, MAP, copper sulfate, etc. Recently, with the creation of our college organization branch, we are trying to expand our organization's curriculum to include growing macromolecular protein and DNA crystals as well as to allow our club members to present at the annual 2024 ACA conference in Denver, CO.

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Our mission: Deliver high-impact crystal-growing experiences to K-12th and college students.

STARS at GT branch mission: Expose college students to crystallography research and provide networking and presentation opportunities at the annual ACA conference.

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STARS, Inc. is a registered incorporated organization with the Georgia Corporations Division, and we are currently applying for 501(c)3 nonprofit status. 

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If you may be interested in supporting our missions, please contact us to let us know!