On June 3, Bethpage High School celebrated its 15th annual Science Research Symposium, a showcase of the impressive work being done by students in the school’s Science Research program, led by Ms. Nicole Dulaney. The symposium began with formal presentations by senior researchers Devaanshi Kawatra and Lavleen Kaur, and a team of junior researchers, Andres Bonetti, Aryaan Khalfan and Sarah Oh.
Devaanshi shared her research on the neuroprotective properties of B-cryptoxanthin and B-carotene in a fruit fly model for Parkinson’s Disease, while Lavleen explored the effects of insulin on androgen signaling in prostate cancer. The juniors presented their collaborative study examining how the proximity of a salt marsh to urbanized areas impacts its heavy metal concentration. Following the presentations, all the senior class researchers were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the program.
Attendees then visited a poster session in the gymnasium, where research students from all grades displayed their work. The event also included the announcement of winners in the Research 1 competition, which recognized outstanding first-year projects. Erin Park earned first place for her study on the effect of music on athletic performance. Olivia Anicito and Lily Pfeffer took second with a project on the influence of artificial intelligence in education, and Valerie Garcia and Noorpreet Kaur Multani placed third for their investigation into how ethnic background affects color perception.
Student voting added an extra layer of fun to the afternoon. Lavleen Kaur’s project was awarded “Most Original,” Prushti Purohit won “Biggest Potential Impact” for her research on indoor air pollutants generated by Indian cuisine and the team of Nikhil Peter, Tracy Jiang and Vidhi Sevak earned “Most Professional Poster” for their cost-effective object-detection glasses for the visually impaired.
The event was a celebration of curiosity, perseverance and the power of student-driven research.
