Byram Hills Science Stars Discuss Their Research at 22nd Annual Science Research Symposium By Jesse Andreozzi
Published June 3, 2011 On June 1, 17 Byram Hills High School Seniors who have pursued three years of intensive study in different topics of research exhibited a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation at the 22nd Annual Dr. Robert Pavlica Authentic Science Research Symposium at Byram Hills High School. In their presentations, each student discussed what topic they studied, why they studied it, what they found, and why the research is important.
“This group of seniors has worked with mentors from over twenty diverse and prestigious institutions,” says Program Director David Keith, “including Columbia University, Vanderbilt University, and NYU. The class of 2011 in particular has been extraordinarily independent.”
The symposium started off with a welcome from Principal Chris Borsari, remarks by science research student Allegra Nevins, a special video presentation to the seniors reflecting their experiences in the science research program, and senior award presentations.
The Dr. Robert Pavlica award was given to Maddie Klugman, an Intel semifinalist and a New York State Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) biomedical high honors Student. She studied the effect of adolescent obesity on knee joint power and double limb stance during walking. The study showed how obese teenagers walk compared to teenagers of normal weight, and how their stance affects their joints, and the painassociated with the increased pressure put on them.
Nicole Pollack received the Excellence in Science Research Award for her study of the chemistry of METH addiction: studying the optimal characteristics of monoclonal and polyclonal anti-METH antibodies through affinity analysis.
Max Deutsch, an Abe Shahim Science Research Award Winner, studied Cochlear Implant Calibration for Optimization of Speech and Music Perception.
Connor Berlin, the first place winner at the Westchester/Rockland JSHS, examined the influence of constitutively active protein (Akt) on Schwann Cell Myelination a study into possible treatments for central nervous system disorders like Multiple Sclerosis.
Other topics presented included Brandon Rosenblum’s study of wind turbines and Tyler Halloran’s research on Stephan Colbert’s effect on young people’s opinion of Congress.
“Each of our students has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to their research,” says Principal Borsari. “The depth and breadth of their work is exceptional.”
