Science Research Club 2021: Flies, worms, fleas... oh my!
While this year's science fair may look a little different from previous years, our students still geared up and worked hard inside (and outside the lab). From analyzing the effects of isolation due to quarantine to studying the degradation of harmful plastics, our students' curiosity for science has not been stopped!
This year our Science Research Club students virtually participated in the Senior Division of the annual Long Island Science Congress. The Long Island Science Congress involves students from all across Long Island with a broad range of research programs. The CHS Research Club designed and carried out experiments within the labs at the Science, Technology, and Research center.
Coming off our students' success in the Northwell Health Medical Marvel's second place win (and $1000 prize) we are happy to report our students' noteworthy standings in the Long Island Science Congress.
Michael Cinque ('22) won Honorable Mention for his project that analyzed the effects of social isolation on mental and physical health, specifically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The judges were particularly impressed with his data presentation and explanations, stating that his presentation was easy to follow.
Anthony Bellone ('23) and Mason Dietrich ('23) won Honorable Mention for their project working with drosophila (flies) and the effect of white noise. They were studying to see if the white noise would disrupt normal fly functions such as reproduction. They found that in the presence of white noise, their entire fly sample did not survive. The judges particularly enjoyed their presentation style and how effective Anthony, and Mason were in communicating their science.
Benjamin Chaplin ('22) won an Achievement award for his project on remote learning during COVID-19. Benjamin surveyed both teachers and students on their attitudes and how effective they thought remote learning was during lockdown. Judges admired his initiative in trying to understand relevant topic that many have questions and concerns about.
John Terry ('21), Mark Campbell ('21), and Benjamin Sasso ('21) won an Achievement award for their project on the effect of the plastic additive, BPS on the reproduction of the worm, C. elegans. The judges thought that their data was impressive and their research timely, with the rise of use and dependance on plastics. The Research club wishes Jack, Mark, and Ben the best of luck at college next year!
Andrew Rao ('23) won an Achievement award for his study on the effects of atrazine, a chemical used as a pesticide, on the mutation of bacteria. Andrew learned a new assay to study this effect, called a crystal violet assay, which enables him to measure the amount of mutation leading to the formation of dangerous bacteria biofilms. The judges thought that Andrew did a great job explaining his project and presenting his results.
Nathaniel Butler ('23) won an Achievement award for his study on the effects of ultra-violet light on degradation of BPS. Nathaniel worked with drosophila as well and was able to see changes in the flies' behavior and reproduction from being exposed to the BPS. He plans on testing the remediation of normalized behavior by using ultra-violet light on the BPS before exposure to the flies. The judges particularly appreciated Nathaniel's experimental design and execution.
Jason Ribeiro ('22) won an Achievement award for his study on the reproduction effects of c.elegans from the flavoring vanillin, commonly found in flavored vape cartridges. Jason found that the reproduction of the worms was indeed affected from being exposed to vanillin. The judges thought that not only was his presentation well executed but he was asking relevant, well connected research questions.
Cooper Zawitowsky ('22) won a Meritorious award for his study on the effects of blue light on bacteria. Cooper was able to analyze the effectiveness of blue light as a possible method of sanitation of materials to destroy bacteria present. The judges were impressed with Cooper's confidence in presenting his research as well as the far reach that his project could have, especially with our current pandemic climate.
Cullen Matthews ('22) won Honors for his study on silver nanoparticles and algae on daphnia, water fleas. Cullen analyzed whether algae would be able to protect the daphnia from the corrosive effects of silver colloid solution. The judges enjoyed his explanations of his project, the purpose, and how he carried out his experiments and obtained his data. Cullen will be receiving a monetary prize for his high score.
We are so proud of all of our students in the Science Research Club this year and we can't wait to keep asking more questions and developing more experiments next year! Congratulations to everyone!