Byram Hills High School students had an impressive finish at the Regeneron Westchester Science and Engineering Fair: 36 students won awards, including three who captured the top prize and advanced to the international competition.
Byram Hills seniors Edith Bachmann, Jack Blackmar and Gabriella Colabello won the grand prize, which is awarded to the top 20 overall scoring projects. The winners can compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta, Georgia, in May.
The Byram Hills students, part of the school’s Authentic Science Research Program, presented their advanced science research projects at the competition known as WESEF, which was held virtually on March 19 and 20. Students from Westchester and Putnam counties competed before judges who are experts in life science, physical science, environmental studies, psychology and engineering. The winners were announced on March 24 at Somers High School.
“We are extremely proud of all of our students who competed and showcased our program so well,” said Stephanie Greenwald, director of the Byram Hills Authentic Science Research Program.
“These students have encountered extraordinary obstacles and challenges that they faced head on with determination, hard work and always a sense of humor,” she added. “Finding the joy in the struggle is something we emphasize, and having all of these students recognized for their work reflects their dedication throughout the years.”
Here’s a look at the Byram Hills winners:
American Meteorological Society Award
Creative scientific endeavor in atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences (Certificate)
Derek Araki-Kurdyla - Environmental Science
Jane Zeltner - Environmental Science
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American Psychological Association
Outstanding research in psychological science (Certificate)
Jake Goldman
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Society for In Vitro Biology Award
11th grade students with outstanding research in plant or animal in vitro biology or tissue culture (Certificate)
Samantha Milewicz - Neuroscience
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United States Air Force Award
Outstanding projects in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, Life Science and/or Physical Science (Certificate)
Ella Fleischer- Behavioral & Social Science
Ilana Kersh - Behavioral & Social Science
Hannah Rippy- Behavioral & Social Science
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Innovations in Biological Sciences Research Award
Awarded to innovative projects in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Medicine and Health, Microbiology, Computational Biology/Bioinformatics and Neuroscience ($25)
Generously donated by WESEF Alumni
Alicia Huang- Cellular & Molecular Biology
Tanya Postian - Medicine & Health
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Excellence in Medical Research Award
Top Medicine & Health, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Microbiology, and Neuroscience Research Projects ($25)
Generously donated by the Westchester Academy of Medicine
Olivia Addeo - Medicine & Health
Jamie Kaplan - Medicine & Health
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Future of Medicine Award
Top Medicine & Health, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Microbiology and Neuroscience Research Projects ($50)
Generously donated by Westchester Academy of Medicine
David Pavlenishvili - Cell Biology
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Momentive Women in Science Award
Awarded to top female students who demonstrate a promising future in science ($100)
Generously donated by Momentive
Arianna Tabankin - Cellular & Molecular Biology
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Carl Zeiss Microscopy Award
Given to outstanding projects that incorporate the use of a microscope ($100)
Generously donated by Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC
Eva Shrayer - Neuroscience
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Honorable Mention Award
Projects that exemplify mastery in research
Sponsored by WESEF Alumni ($25)
Eliza Goldman - Behavioral & Social Science
Owen Fleischer - Computer Science
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Best in Category Awards
Fourth Place in Category Awards ($50) – sponsored by Westchester Academy of Medicine
Morgan Aronsky - Animal Science
Sydney Charron - Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
Hayden Weiss - Computer Science
Derek Araki-Kurdyla - Environmental Science
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Third Place in Category Awards ($75) – sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation
Emily Pizzorusso - Behavioral & Social Science
Sophia Berland - Behavioral & Social Science
Katerina Schmidt - Behavioral & Social Science
Lucy Kwittken - Cellular & Molecular Biology
Alana Foreman - Computer Science
Jane Zeltner - Environmental Science
Julia Lucchino- Medicine & Health
Dylan Haber - Medicine & Health
John Ndocaj - Medicine & Health
Samantha Milewicz - Neuroscience
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Second Place in Category Awards ($100) – sponsored by Con Edison
Danielle Freedman - Animal Science
Rebecca Frieden- Behavioral & Social Science
Amelia Chung - Environmental Science
Sydney Levy - Medicine & Health
Elizabeth Deeks- Neuroscience
Eva Shrayer - Neuroscience
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First Place in Category Awards ($125) – sponsored by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Edith Bachmann - Behavioral & Social Science
Jack Blackmar - Behavioral & Social Science
Gabriella Colabello - Cellular & Molecular Biology
David Pavlenishvili - Cellular & Molecular Biology
Arianna Tabankin - Cellular & Molecular Biology
Nora Lowe - Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
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Grand Prizes
Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)
Awarded to the top 20 overall scoring projects.
Edith Bachmann
Jack Blackmar
Gabriella Colabello
The 20 grand prize winners will present their research and represent Westchester and Putnam counties at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. There are typically more than 1,800 students from more than 75 countries at the event, and on average, $4 million in awards are given annually.