North Shore HS Science Research Symposium
20th Annual NS High School Science Research Symposium
On April 30, 2018, North Shore High School held it 20th Annual Science Research Symposium in the library. Introduced by Mr. Steven Menchel (HS Science Teacher Leader) and hosted by Dr. Molly Mordechai (Science Research Educator). The library was filled with students, family, friends, and administrators who all came to celebrate the accomplishments of these dedicated and gifted North Shore High School science research students.
They included Audrey O’Brien (senior presenter), Victoria Palone (senior presenter), Caroline Schwab (senior presenter), George Amigdalos (sophomore poster presenter), Krishna Arya (sophomore poster presenter), Erik Busse (junior poster presenter), Keaton Danseglio (sophomore poster presenter), Sophia Fleming (sophomore poster presenter), Maggie Gibbons (sophomore poster presenter), Alexandra Khorasanchi (junior poster presenter), John Labbate (junior poster presenter), Kyra McCreery (sophomore poster presenter), Sarah Moran (sophomore poster presenter), Jack Rosencrans (junior poster presenter) Jake Sasso (sophomore poster presenter), Sam Scordo (sophomore poster presenter), Mary Sotiryadis (sophomore poster presenter), Jane Sturge ( junior poster presenter), Julia Toner (junior poster presenter), Andrew Turquie (sophomore poster presenter), Kate Weseley-Jones (freshman poster presenter),
The keynote speaker was Dr. Carol Carter, PhD, a professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Stony brook University. Her research on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) focuses on identifying events in HIV replication that might serve as targets for anti-viral drug development. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry from the City College of NY, a Master of Philosophy degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Microbiology from Yale University. Additionally, she received post-doctoral training in protein biochemistry and virology at the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology.
The Science Research program at North Shore provides scientifically motivated students with the unique opportunity to conduct formal laboratory research within their high school years. As 9th graders, interested students take an introductory course that focuses on the scientific method. They learn about proper experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication, and public speaking. The intermediate year of science research aims to refresh students’ knowledge of the scientific method and its application. It also focuses heavily on acquisition and interpretation of previously published research in scientific journals. Students design and carry out experiments on topics of their choosing. For the remainder of the program, advanced research students design and conduct original research under mentorship of a professional. During this time, students are fully immersed in their area of study as they continue to read research articles related to the field. In the end of the four years, all students emerge as knowledgeable, mature research scientists eager to tackle their next hypothesis.
Congratulations to all!
Article and photos by Shelly Newman with assistance for Dr. Mordechai