The 31 seniors in the Authentic Science Research Program were celebrated on June 3 at the 37th annual Authentic Science Research Symposium, which followed the theme of “To Those Who Inspire.”
The keynote speaker, Dr. Monica Pozzuoli, is a 1994 Byram Hills High School graduate who participated in the three-year Authentic Science Research Program. Inspiring the students in the audience, she traced her journey from a science research student to becoming a pediatrician, now working to enhance the clinical care of children with autism.
Dr. Pozzuoli, whose son Aidan is a Class of 2026 science research student, praised the continued strength of the science research program and its tight-knit, supportive community.
“It has been truly inspiring to watch you all grow as scientists over these past three years,” she told the students. “Take the skills that you have learned through the ASR program and apply them to each phase of your life. You have the tools to tackle difficult tasks and accomplish great things. Don’t shy away from new opportunities or experiences. You can do it.”
Senior speaker Gavin Bunting, an award-winning student, recounted the inspirational lessons he learned from his science research mentor. As soon as Gavin joined their first Zoom meeting, his mentor immediately brought him into his world and was always there for him.
In different ways, the science research teachers also inspired Gavin “to be a true research scientist.” He praised Dr. Caroline Matthew for teaching him to read a scientific paper, program director Stephanie Greenwald for teaching him to write a research paper, and James Gulick for teaching him to effectively present his work.
“Three teachers in three years with three valuable skills I will carry for the rest of my life,” Gavin said. “None of them did it in a single dramatic moment, but they did it quietly, one class at a time. That’s the kind of inspiration that always stays with you.”
He urged the seniors to remember the lessons they learned over the last three years in science research: treat people like they belong, show up consistently and turn failures into learning opportunities.
“This journey continues,” Gavin said, “and one day somebody else will open their laptop, click ‘join’ on a Zoom call, and we will be the people on the other end providing that inspiration.”
Senior science research diplomas were presented to: Beatrice Bachmann, Spencer Berkowitz, Anika Bobra, Gavin Bunting, Sophie Cai, Sienna Cavada, Max Charney, Lindsay Coady, Riley Conigliaro, Elizabella Dec, Kimberly Eagle, Andrew Gershuny, Josh Goldman, Leo Greco, Joseph Hashem, Matthew Ishkanian, Chase Keller, Karis Lee, Selina Li, Jeremy Loots, Claire Mauney, Maya Melathe, Heather Millman, Angelina Nie, Aidan Pozzuoli-Doyle, Emmy Rasamny, Abigail Shrayer, Cashlyn Smith, Chase Tabankin, Chloe Wolf and Katelijne Wolvius.