Research: Effects of Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance on Locomotive Ability Among Generations of Drosophila Research Location: Yonkers, NY Awards: Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF) Leason Ellis Team Project Award Abstract: Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a widespread form of light pollution that disrupts natural light cycles and has been linked to metabolic dysregulation, immunosuppression, and altered gene expression in both animals and humans. S

Research: Asteroid Orbit Determination for 5066 Garrad 1990 MA Mentor: Dr. Batiste, Dr. Domingue, & Dr. Mahabaduge Research Location: Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville Georgia Abstract: In this study, Asteroid 5066 Garradd will be observed using telescopic imaging with centroiding techniques (Savanevych et al. 2015). Using three observations, Gauss’s method will be applied to predict the asteroid’s apparent motion. Lastly, the results will be compared with t

Research: Automated pH Regulation in Lactuca sativa Hydroponic System Using Arduino-Controlled pH Pumps Mentor: Courtney-Grace Neizer, Yonkers Partners In Education Research Location: Leiva Household Awards: Somers 2024 - 3rd Place Winner - Medicine and Health, WESEF 2026 Participant, Regeneron STS 2026 Participant, UAlbany Invitational 2026 Abstract: The rapid growth of the global population is widening the hunger gap between food production and the amount needed to feed t

Research: Comparative Nutrient Uptake Efficiency of Iris versicolor and Iris pseudacorus in Controlled Mesocosm Systems Mentor: Erin Snyder Research Location: Teatown Lake Reservation Awards: Teatown Young Environmentalist Award (WESEF 2026), Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025, Somers Science Fair Participant 2024, Environthon Participant 2025 & 2026 Abstract: Excessive inputs of nitrates and phosphates cause eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems, necessitating the need fo

Research: The Effects of Teacher Burnout on Student Engagement Levels Following the NYS Internet-Enabled Device Ban Research Location: Yonkers Middle High School Awards: Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025, WESEF 2025, WESEF 2026, Somers 2024 Abstract: Every year in the United States, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school. This issue is caused by a number of factors, including a lack of understanding of the material being taught. Many teachers can have their mo

Research: The Impact of Art Genres on Stress and Anxiety Research Location: Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) Mentor: Dr. Humm Awards: Participant - Regeneron STS, Participant - WESEF 2026 Abstract: Anxiety and stress are among the most common mental health conditions globally, negatively impacting emotional well-being. While art therapy is frequently used to reduce these symptoms, limited research has identified which specific art genres are most effective. This study a

Research: Encapsulating Stem-Cell Beta Cells with the Chemokine CCR4 to treat Type 1 Diabetes Presentation Slides

Research: Survey evaluation of AI safety features in vehicles​ Abstract: AI safety features in vehicles, like automatic braking and...

Research: Recommending People Potential Friends with Similar Interests using Vector Space Similarity Metrics Mentor: Sol Vitkin Research Location: Yonkers, NY Awards: Participant in Somers Science Fair (2024), Participant in Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (2025 & 2026) Abstract: According to Heinrich and Gullone (2006), 70% of teenagers face recurring loneliness by age 18. This often stems from difficulties in making new friends with whom they feel a genuine conne

Research: The Biodegradability of Fabrics in a Small-scale Composting Environment Awards: WESEF 2026 - The Ricoh Sustainable Development Award Abstract: Textile waste is a major contributor to global pollution, particularly due to the increasing use of synthetic, non-biodegradable materials in modern clothing. One potential solution to this issue is composting, which may allow certain fabrics to break down naturally and reduce landfill accumulation. In this study, the biode

Research: The Relationship Between Age and Climate Anxiety Mentor: Dr. Lauren Southwick Research Location: Yonkers Partners in Education Awards: Participation at Somers Science Fair Abstract: In 2023, global surface temperatures were 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels, nearing the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement (Niranjan, 2024). Some people are so fearful of climate change that it consistently affects their daily lives. This is known as climate change anxiety, o

Research: Using the xARM EEG approach for exoskeleton/prosthesis control Mentor: Summer Science Program & MITES Semester Abstract: ...

Research: Assessing Microplastic Pollution in the Hudson River Before and After CSO-Linked Rainfall Events Mentor: Ryan Palmer Research Location: Bezcak Abstract: This study investigates the impact of combined sewer overflow (CSO)-linked rainfall events on microplastic concentrations in the Hudson River at the Yonkers waterfront. Microplastics are a growing environmental concern because they can harm aquatic ecosystems and enter the food chain through polluted waterways. Pr

Research: The Role of a Personalized Enriched Environment on Spinal Cord Injury Recovery in Mice Awards: Somers 2024 - 3rd Place in...

Research: The Comparative Effects of Biofertilizers and Inorganic Fertilizers on Butterhead Lettuce Growth and Listeria monocytogenes Colonization Research Location: GWHV Science Barge, Yonkers NY Mentor: Joel Rodriguez Awards: UAlbany in the High School Science Research Invitational Symposium 2026- 3rd place in Animal and Plant Sciences, Student Of The Year for Molecular Biology and Eco Lab 2025, Regeneron STS 2025 Participant Abstract: Biofertilizers are cost-effective, e

Research: Quantitative comparison of pesticides and genes known to cause dopaminergic neuronal damage: Finding the optimal Drosophila...

Research: Ideology and Consumer Behavior Awards: Participant of Somers Science Fair (2024), Participant of the Regeneron Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (2026) Abstract: In today's culture, there is a shift of divide in that a person's beliefs may not only be shown through their political beliefs, processing, and thinking, but also in what they consume, or buy. In researching this question if political ideologies impact consumer behavior, corporations can unintenti

Research: The effects of acute stress, as measured by cortisol levels, in influencing synaptic plasticity through theta wave activity...

Research: Effects of teacher burnout on student engagement Research Location: Yonkers Middle High School Awards: WESEF 2025...

Research: Predicting Air Quality for Climate Justice Research Location: Yonkers, NY Mentor: Matthew Brunelle, Kensho Inc. Awards: WESEF 2026 Participant, Bedford 2030 Greenlight Awards 2025, Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025, Participant at Somers Science Fair 2024 Abstract: Extreme heat is becoming a growing concern due to climate change, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. This study investigates the relationship between heat and environmental factors