Science symposiums showcase talent

Advanced Science Research students from Calhoun, Kennedy and Mepham high schools recently gathered to showcase their knowledge, achievements and research projects for peers, faculty, family and friends during the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s annual science symposiums.

The symposiums were held on May 29. District officials said they enable students to review achievements for the year, while staff can honor all involved and recognize seniors who have completed the program.

At Calhoun, Alix Kozin and Will Rosenblum served as emcees throughout the evening at the completely student planned and run program. Various awards were presented to students, including ninth-graders who participated in the Biology National Science League competition, and a group who placed third nationally in the Earth Science National Science League competition. Students broke out into smaller discussion sessions, where seniors presented their research on various topics, including anthropology, animal biology, medicine and health, genetics and molecular imaging, among others.

“This is a really beautiful night because not every student gets to go to every competition,” research teacher Kim Lascarides said. “Some of the competitions have a limited number of students who can apply. This is a night for the students who maybe didn’t win an award or weren’t able to go to a competition to really shine in front of their peers and parents talking about their research.”

Kennedy’s symposium featured 12 seniors giving brief presentations on their research projects – describing their research methods, processes and results for the audience. Michael Wagner, a member of the Kennedy Class of 2002 and the school’s first Intel finalist who is finishing his internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, served as the keynote speaker for the evening. Additionally, science fair and senior award presentations honored various students.