NORTH SHORE HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR HEADING TO INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE ENGINEERING FAIR (ISEF)
                                                                                          
The North Shore School District is proud to announce that Kaitlin Ho, a Junior at North Shore High School, is heading to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The ISEF will take place in Los Angeles this year, with up to 1,800 participants from countries worldwide.

Science Research Teacher, Dr. Molly Mordechai said, “The ISEF has regional fairs throughout the world. Kaitlin submitted her research to the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair (LISEF) and was part of the 25% that was invited back to present at the second round. There, she won first place in her category- Animal Sciences - and secured a spot at ISEF.

Kaitlin’s science research took place over the summer in a lab at LIU with Dr. Theodore Brummel. She worked with fruit flies which have been genetically modified to exhibit Alzheimer's disease symptoms with age. She supplemented the diet of these flies (and a separate normal group of flies) with cocoa to see how that would impact the flies. The flies that ate cocoa long-term remained healthier for significantly longer (increased health span) and lived significantly longer lives (increased lifespan). Surprisingly, this was the case for the normal flies as well!

Dr. Mordechai added, “Kaitlin learned a lot of the techniques involved with working with fruit flies prior to starting her research at LIU. She worked with the same type of flies here in her research class last year and was able to bring a wealth of experience with her to the lab. When other students were learning the ropes, Kaitlin was able to hit the ground running. This is a testament to the opportunities we provide our students here at North Shore High School.”

Principal Eric Contreras said, “We are proud of Kaitlin for her hard work and scientific accomplishments. This is a testament to Dr. Mordechai’s work in guiding, mentoring, and supporting our student researchers at North Shore High School. This also speaks to the strength of the science research program and to the excellence and creativity of our science program overall.”

Congratulations and best of luck to Kaitlin! Go Vikings Go!   

Article provided Hs Science Research teacher by Dr. Molly Mordechai

Photos by Shelly Newman