At Nibras International School, a leading American curriculum school in Dubai, academic achievement is more than a goal—it is a culture. One standout example of this is our Grade 11 student Lisa, who recently had her AP Psychology research paper published in the Universal Journal of Pharmacy, an international academic journal.
Lisa’s paper, titled “Gender Differences in Eyewitness Memory: Implications for Forensic Psychology and the Justice System,” began as her final project for her AP Psychology course. Now, it is making waves far beyond the classroom, showcasing the kind of excellence NIS students strive for in their AP Courses.
From Class Discussion to Published Work
The idea for Lisa’s research came from a simple conversation with a friend, which is proof that great ideas can come from anywhere.
“We were talking about how people remember things differently, especially in the justice system,” Lisa explained. “I’m also taking a Forensics class, and we had just covered memory. That is when I got curious about how memory works differently in men and women.”
That curiosity led to a deep dive into existing research. Lisa used the literature review method, spending weekends and breaks pouring over academic journals, taking notes, and analyzing findings.
“It was a lot,” she admitted. “I’ve never really enjoyed reading academic papers, but this time, I stuck with it, even when it got really tough. I had to push myself.”
Lessons in Research, Writing, and Resilience
Lisa’s project didn’t just deepen her understanding of psychology, it also taught her the importance of writing well and editing thoroughly. These skills that are essential in an AP Courses and beyond.
“I used to skip proofreading, but not this time,” she said. “I asked my friends, my teacher, even my parents to help me review it. I wanted to make sure anyone reading my paper would really understand what I was trying to say.”
Through this process, Lisa realized just how much effort goes into academic writing, and how rewarding it can be.
“When I was writing the part about cognitive function, I knew I had to explain it clearly. That made me go back and reread everything. I actually enjoyed that part of the learning process.”
A Community That Supports Student Success
Lisa credits much of her success to the support she received from her teacher, Ms. Alice Nazareth, and her family.
“When I found out my paper got published, I was so excited. I ran to Ms. Alice to tell her right away. Then I called my parents. They were thrilled,” she shared.
This kind of encouragement and personalized support that our students receive is something that makes Nibras stand out as an American School in Dubai. We are focused on creating a partnership with teachers and families work together to support students, helping them grow academically, socially and emotionally.
Looking Ahead: Skills for College and Beyond
For Lisa, this experience is a steppingstone towards her future pathway of choice.
“In college, I know I’ll be writing tons of papers. This project helped me build the skills I’ll need, like critical thinking, time management, and analyzing information,” she said. “I’m even thinking of going into a field related to psychology, so this gave me a head start.”
Her journey reflects the values at the heart of Nibras: curiosity, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. It is also a great example of what our students can achieve through our comprehensive delivery of the American curriculum and the personalized and supportive learning environment we provide.
Lisa’s story is a reminder that, at Nibras , success is not just about grades, it is about growth, discovery, and preparing for your future pathway of choice.
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