Science Archives - Inside Chappaqua and Inside Armonk: The Magazines for New and North Castle

Breeding the Next Generation of Young Scientists

April 21, 2018 by Shauna Levy

The students of the Dr. Robert Pavlica Authentic Science Program at Byram Hills High School have been consistently racking up an impressive roster of scientific accolades in recent years. In 2017 alone, they earned coveted top awards from the Westchester-Rockland Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Regeneron Science Talent Search, the American Academy of Neurology’s Neuroscience Research Prizes and the Siemens competition to name a few. All of this recognition, however, is not what’s most extraordinary, according to program director, Stephanie Greenwald. “The best part is the community Dr. Pavlica created. He felt strongly that any student who wanted to be here could. We have honored that legacy and cultivated an environment that empowers students to be their absolute best.”

When Greenwald began her career as a school administrator and science teacher almost 25 years ago, science research wasn’t necessarily a “thing.” What she did know, was that she loved teaching and inspiring children. With 14 years at Byram Hills H.S. under her belt, when the previous director retired last year, she was offered her current position and fell into “the absolute best job I ever had.” There is no question about Greenwald’s passion as she rapidly speaks, “There is nothing more exciting than watching a student who enters this room timidly, find what they love and see that moment when it all clicks. That is my favorite thing in the whole world.”

Developing a Broad Skill Set

Celebrating its 30th anniversary next year, this three-year research program was designed for students who wish to pursue excellence in advanced areas of original research. Students develop skills in bibliographic research, research methodology, and modes of communicating research. Though the workload is described as “very high,” students don’t appear scared off with approximately 80 students enrolled. They participate in group classes with BH faculty and individual meetings with mentors.

The focus is on quantifiable science, yet there is a sense that something magical is at play in this classroom where students’ greatest capabilities make themselves apparent. Greenwald describes the staff’s philosophy, “We pride ourselves on guiding students to find what they are truly passionate about. Almost any topic can be researched. If it can be measured with a numeric value, it’s science.” This is the key to the program’s continued success. Greenwald, explains, “The students who self-select into the program have such a high level of enthusiasm because they are studying what they love. That without a doubt is the major intrinsic motivator.” Study topics have included everything from fashion, football and dogs to vectors, biodiesel fuel and prostate cancer microbiology.

Combating Science Illiteracy with Communication

Once students select their subject matter, the focus is on reading as much material as possible including everything from layman material to professional literature. This research prepares them for the ultimate task of producing a 40-50 page publication. Greenwald describes the process, “They become experts, getting to know ‘the movers and shakers’ in their field. It is imperative that students are able to communicate in everyday terminology.” Communications are integral to the program and an English teacher is on staff to strengthen these skills. According to Greenwald, “There is a vast amount of science illiteracy in this country. Scientists must become better communicators. It is a pet peeve of mine that we have a plethora of incredible experts, yet only a small list of people who understand them. The public must be able to understand that science is not something you can refute. It is simply fact.”

Working with Professional Mentors

A pivotal point in the program is when students identify a professional mentor from a university, medical center or research institute with an expertise in their area of study. “There are so many glorious people who see themselves in the students and wish they had a program like ours when they were younger. We truly wouldn’t exist without their time and generosity.” Mentors may be local, but many span the world and have been as far as England and Israel. They communicate via email, telephone, video conference or in person. Oftentimes, students are invited to spend time working at their laboratories.

The program has very clear benchmarks, during which students receive a high level of critiquing that they learn to accept in order to produce their best work product. “Our grading system is set-up to empower students to be able to take risks and fail. They are not penalized for giving the wrong answer,” says Greenwald. When students hit roadblocks, they are encouraged to ask questions and seek solutions. “I always tell them that all that stands in our way are words and time. If you can’t understand it, research it,” Greenwald guides.

Breeding Young Scientists

At its core, the program aims to support an initiative to create a greater number of PhD and advanced degree candidates in the sciences in this country. Fostering scientific literacy is further supported by engaging in programs at the elementary school level. Greenwald described a common sense approach to breeding young scientists: “Teach them to wonder and problem solve. Encourage them to always ask questions,” she said. “Experiment with trial and error.”

Of the future, Greenwald is optimistic. She disagrees with the stereotypical view of millennials saying, “Every day, I watch students suddenly see above and beyond what they expected their capabilities to be. That’s the moment they learn they are in control of their destiny. It happens here all the time and that’s what makes this place so special. I tell the students, I have faith in my future as long as you take care of it for me.” And, her work is contributing to their ability to do just that.

Destination Imagination Team Places First at Regional Competition

April 18, 2018 by The Inside Press

Top row: Lisa Shaiken (coach), Zachary Harpaz, Sidney Magliari, Alex Brandoff, Tara Brandoff (coach)
Bottom Row: Riddhi Goenka, Alyssa Rose, Henry McEvoy, Jenna Shaiken

Chappaqua’s first Destination Imagination (DI) team comprised of seven Chappaqua 6th graders recently placed first in their category at a regional competition held in Ossining. In addition to winning first place the team called the Pirates received an honorary award–the DaVinci Award –for a creative solution that combined art and science.

Of the seven main challenge category types, the Pirates competed in the Technical challenge–in which they had to design and build a maze traveler that, using any technical method, could complete one of eight possible mazes. The maze was chosen two minutes before their performance, and while their traveler completed the maze, the team had to tell a story about the traveler’s voyage, have the traveler remove an object from the maze using a technical method, and transform a prop using a technical method. Additionally, the Pirates had to include two elements in their presentation that showed off a team member’s specific skill or interest.

To complete the challenge, the team’s maze traveler was a stripped down remote control car which they hacked its receiver, electronic speed control and steering servo. They attached an Arduino chip to the receiver and coded the chip to control the car instead of its normal controller. Then, they attached a Bluetooth controller so that we can send instructions through an iPhone. They developed a C++ driving program that lets them send a string of commands to the car based on the maze. The car was then able to fully navigate itself in an autopilot mode.

The Pirates won their tournament on April 7 in Binghamton and they’ll be representing New York State by competing at the global level in May.

Lisa Shaiken, one of the team’s coaches was first exposed to DI when her daughter, Jenna, was in 4th grade. She went to school in another district which offered this program as an after school activity. “Jenna was super excited about trying it and begged me to be her team’s coach. It was a wonderful experience and our team won the regional, state and made it to the global competition,” noted Shaiken.

“I learned more about myself and discovered things about myself that I didn’t know. This has really given me more confidence and I’m more open to sharing my opinions and listening to others,” explained Jenna Shaiken, a sixth grader at Seven Bridges Middle School and team member. Another participant, Alyssa Rose said,“I’ve learned that teamwork is incredibly important if you want to accomplish something.”

2018 Westchester & Putnam – 600 Student Science Fair (WESEF)

March 9, 2018 by The Inside Press

SCIENCE RESEARCH (STEM) PROJECTS OF MORE THAN 600 WESTCHESTER AND PUTNAM HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SHOWCASED AT REGENERON WESEF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR

Saturday, March 17, 2018 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sleepy Hollow High School (inside the gymnasium)

More than 600 students from 40 Westchester and Putnam county high schools will showcase their multi-year science research projects in a competitive venue at the 18Annual Regeneron – Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF) at Sleepy Hollow High School.

Participants, mostly seniors and juniors involved in their high school Science Research programs, will showcase individual and team poster presentations, which will be judged by local experts in the fields of life science, physical science, environmental studies, psychology and engineering.

Fifteen top projects will win spots at the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), which is largest, international science fair in the world). ISEF will be held this May in Pittsburgh and will bring together more than 1,700 science fair winners from over 70 countries.

Nine additional projects will win a spot at the International Genius Olympiad where more than 500 students from over 60 countries whose projects have focused on sustainability in the areas of energy, environment, engineering and global health.

Sleepy Hollow High School, gymnasium: 210 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY

The Regeneron – Westchester Science and Engineering Fair, is made possible by the generous contributions of local corporations including Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Acorda Therapeutics, Entergy & Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation. Additional sponsors include IBM, Westchester Academy of Medicine, Carl Zeiss Microscopy, College Admission Central, Momentive Performance Materials and others. In total, the sponsors have donated over $140,000 for this year’s event, enabling WESEF to award nearly 60 percent of all students with some form of recognition.

For more information and schedules, visit www.wesef.org.

BHHS Student Scientists Receive Several Prestigious Awards In First Quarter of 2018

March 8, 2018 by The Inside Press

Byram Hills High School (BHHS) students participating in the Dr. Robert Pavlica Authentic Science Research Program have received a record number of awards in the first quarter of 2018. Five–the most from any single Westchester County high school–were selected as scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the most prestigious pre-college science and math awards for high school seniors and was previously known as the Intel Science Talent Search. In addition, four BHHS students were recently selected as national finalists in the Neuroscience Research Prize awarded by the American Academy of Neuroscientists (AAN) Research Prize for high school students. One student was named a top finalist for the prize.

Regeneron Award Recipients

From the select pool of Regeneron scholars, 40 finalists will be invited to Washington, D.C. this month to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists and compete for the top award of $250,000. The five Regeneron Scholars are Alexis Aberman, Alexandra Brocato, Stella Li, Jeremy Ma and Kylie Roslin.

The goal of the Regeneron competition is to recognize the best and brightest young scientists for demonstrating exceptional scientific leadership potential. It is the result of years of study, research and dedication by the students, along with encouragement and direction from the Byram Hills School District and the Dr. Robert Pavlica Authentic Science Research Program, directed by Stephanie Greenwald.

Byram Hills Regeneron Finalists (L-R, top row): Stella Li, Jeremy Ma, Alexandra Brocato. (L-R, bottom row): Alexis Aberman, Kylie Rosl

AAN Finalists

The American Academy of Neuroscientists is the largest organization of neurologists in the country and each year the group awards 15 high school students who have completed extraordinary work exploring the world of the brain and nervous system through laboratory research. The AAN finalists from BHHS were Stella Li, Jeremy Ma, Alexandra Remnitz and Kylie Roslin. Remnitz was selected as a top national finalist and has been invited to present her project on the marine fish, Sailfin Molly, at the 70th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Los Angeles, CA in April.

Her project determined that this hardy species did not alter their typical behavior due to increasing ocean acidification, unlike most fish. This is a novel finding demonstrating the robustness of this specific species. Remnitz is a certified scuba diver and her love of marine life and her concern for the future of our oceans was the inspiration for her study.

AAN Finalists (L-R): Kylie Roslin, Stella Li, Alexandra Remnitz and Jeremy Ma

From Student to Scientist – Greeley’s Science Research  Program Turns Out Some of the Best and the Brightest

May 27, 2014 by The Inside Press

President Obama making a speech to the 40 Intel Finalists.

By Amanda H. Cronin

The first image that may come to mind when you hear the words “science fair” is a lopsided, paper maché, volcano erupting “lava.” You know, the classic baking powder and vinegar experiment. But what is really going on at these science fairs is far more impressive and innovative.

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) was held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, May 11-16. Horace Greeley High School Senior Alex Kaufman was among some 1,600 high school students from around the country participating in the fair for the ultimate prize: a scholarship worth $75,000.

ISEF, the world’s largest international pre-college science competition, provides a framework for aspiring young researchers, like Alex, to showcase their independent research and compete for more than $4 million in awards. Millions of students worldwide start out competing in local and school-sponsored science fairs, and if selected, go head-to-head in the final event with peers from over 70 countries, regions and territories. At a local fair in March, Alex was named one of the top ten researchers in Westchester and Putnam counties, which qualified him to advance to the final round.

Alex is part of Horace Greeley’s Science Research program, a three-year, application-based science course that allows students to independently explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) topics of their own choosing, be it climate change, cancer research or molecular biology.

Science teacher Trudy Gessler leads many of the classes for the program. “We have many talented and passionate students in Science Research,” said Dr. Gessler. “Their research and experiments are all conducted under the supervision of a research scientist/mentor, sometimes in a research lab and sometimes right here on campus.”

Alex Kaufman with his poster at Intel WESEF

Alex’s interest is in the area of immunology. His project focuses on the Hepatitis B virus and constructing a special type of viral clone to function exactly like Hepatitis B, except that it causes cells to fluoresce upon infection. Alex conducted his research in the Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease at The Rockefeller University in New York City.

Alex’s story is not the only success story in the program. This past year, 12 students received awards for their projects at various fairs and competitions. Junior Riya Verma’s poster was given 1st place in the Category of Medicine and Health at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. “I have always been interested in applications of computer science in medicine, and Science Research has given me an opportunity to pursue it,” said Riya.

Anubhav Guha’s award-winning project took him to the White House. Anubhav’s research deals with extending the lifetime of dye molecules. For his research Anubhav placed as a finalist in the Intel competition and semi-finalist in the Siemens competition. He even got to shake hands with President Obama!

“I’ve always been interested in science– its really satisfying and neat to be able to fully understand a topic, or to be able to find something completely new that no one else has ever found,” said Anubhav.

Mrs. Patricia Donovan heads up Greeley’s Science department. “Science education is more important today than it has ever been. It is important to have a good science education to be competitive in today’s world. As global citizens, we all need to understand how the elements of our surroundings function so that we can make sense of the information made available to us.”

As a fellow Greeley student and new Science Researcher, I asked Alex for some advice. “You have been provided an incredible opportunity. You may come out of this research experience knowing that you want to be a scientist for the rest of your life. You could also come out of it knowing that you never want to go near a pipette again! So go into this excited about what you will learn about your field and what you will learn about yourself. There are so many fascinating fields, so search long and hard for something that absolutely captivates you– it’s definitely out there!”

Alex, Riya, and Anubhav are truly inspirational. There’s no doubt that these science research students are some of the brightest “cells” in our student body. Their findings could potentially help people in meaningful ways and influence current scientific practices. Seeing their accomplishments makes me excited to hone in on my own science topic and gain experience through interacting with professionals in the field.

Science can be very daunting and complex. But it is fascinating and extremely important for our understanding of the world and how it works. It’s thrilling to know that right here at Greeley we have some of the best and the brightest.

To find out more about ISEF and the Siemens Competition visit: https://student.societyforscience.org/intel-isef and http://www.siemens-foundation.org/en/competition.htm

Amanda H. Cronin is a freshman at Horace Greeley High School. She loves the six Fs: Food, Fashion, Football (Soccer), Friends, Family and Felines.