Science Research Symposium Showcases Student Excellence

Upper school students proudly shared their research projects with peers, families and faculty on such topics as astronomy, medicine, behavioral science, computer science and environmental science. The event, which took place on May 18 in Doc Wilson Hall, shone a spotlight on the hard work and enthusiasm that define the program under the guidance of Dr. Kristina Gremski, the program’s director. Click HERE for the symposium guide with students’ projects and abstracts.

The symposium highlighted the accomplishments of student researchers while recognizing the seniors in the program (Nathan Beckmann, Rebecca Choset, Nico Khoury-Levy, Alex Pinnock, Ella Shapiro, Mia Steinwurtzel, Viva Topper-Kroog) and their outstanding work.

Dr. Gremski noted, “It was a great year for Science Research. We had a record number of students presenting at WESEF (Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering Fair) and NYSSEF (New York State Science & Engineering Fair), and we will have a record number at the upcoming Somers Science Fair.” 

Nico Khoury-Levy ’26 and Siena Versaci ’27 led the way, following their award-winning performances at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the largest pre-collegiate STEM competition in the world, held this year in Phoenix, Arizona.

Khoury-Levy won 2nd place in the Cellular & Molecular Biology category, and Versaci took home 4th place honors in the Behavioral & Social Sciences category.

“ISEF is considered the Olympics of high school science and technology competitions,” Gremski said. “It brings together some of the brightest young minds from around the world. Just getting there is a major achievement, so to win awards is incredible.”

Calling it “the cherry on top” of a great year, Khoury-Levy said ISEF “was a good opportunity to meet some really smart people from across the globe — Lebanon, Jordan, Puerto Rico, South America — and exchange ideas and thoughts. It was nice to communicate with people who had the same level of understanding and drive, and who were totally willing to have fun at the same time.”

Versaci said, “Being selected to go to ISEF was one of the most incredible surprises of my life. From the moment they called my name, it was a whirlwind of events. Before competing at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair, where I got my ISEF spot, my only goal was to have fun sharing my passion for my research. I was proud of what I had accomplished, but I would have been happy to have just participated.”

For these dedicated scientists, the work is not done: Sophomores are preparing for the upcoming Somers Science Fair, Emily Kasoff ’27 is heading to GENIUS Olympiad in Rochester in June, and juniors are working over the summer on new research projects for next year.

Meanwhile, the next generation of innovators and researchers is already stepping into the spotlight. Kudos to the middle school students who won awards in the recent Westchester Regional Middle School Science and Engineering Fair in Scarsdale. 

Inanna Cappello ’32 took home 2nd place honors for her biochemistry project, “How different sugars affect the speed of yeast fermentation.”
 
“My experiment showed how different sweeteners affected the fermentation process by measuring carbon dioxide production,” Cappello said. “I used sweeteners such as table sugar, honey, brown sugar, and even an artificial sweetener, Splenda.”
 
Ethan Headen ’31, James Tustian ’31 and Shiv Padmanabhan ’31 won 3rd place for their engineering and technology project, “Transmission of ultraviolet light through different types of glass at different distances.”

“The project measured how ultraviolet light traveled through three types of glass,” Padmanabhan explained. “In particular, we tested how modifying two variables, (i) the type of glass and (ii) the distance of the glass from the light source, would affect the intensity of the detected light. Our experiment was intended to have practical applications. For example, it could help architects or engineers decide which type of glass to use and where to place it when designing a building.”