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Image by Jake Weirick
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SCIENCE RESEARCH

     I conducted an independent research project: Developing a Model In-Situ Resource Utilization System for Oxygen Sustaining Life Support and Launch Cost Reduction for Mars. I grew crops in various ratios of potting soil and Martian regolith simulant to determine the impact the growth substrate has on plant growth. I then developed an original mathematical model to determine the amount of oxygen produced per plant based on biomass, and the launch cost reduction when using each substrate. I found the ideal ratio, which optimized maximum oxygen production with minimum launch mass/cost. I am currently doing a follow-up study to determine if adding biochar to the regolith simulant will stabilize the soil aggregates and improve plant growth. I learned how to communicate my work with others through designing posters, slideshows, and oral presentations, which helped me when competing and winning at local, state, and international-level science fairs, ultimately placing highest in the history of my school's research program. 

SCIENCE
AWARDS

Winning at ISEF!

Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS)

  • Finalist (2023)

 

Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF)

  • Grand Award winner:  2nd place in Plant Sciences (2022)

  • Special Award winner: 1st place Air Force Research Laboratory on behalf of the United States Air Force award in Plant Sciences (2022)

 

New York State Science & Engineering Fair (NYSSEF)

  • Grand Award winner: 1st place in Plant Sciences (2022)

  • Special Award winner: Mu Alpha Theta Award in mathematics (2022)

  • Grand Award winner: 2nd place in Plant Sciences (2023)

  • Special Award winner: NASA Earth Systems Award (2023)

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American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) Annual Meeting

  • Second Place in High School Student Poster Competition (2022)

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Juliette O'Rourke-Albanese Scholarship in Chemistry (2023)

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Westchester-Rockland Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)

  • First Place in Plant/Earth & Environmental Science (2023)

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Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF)

  • Grand Award winner: 2nd place in Plant Sciences (2023)

  • Special Award winner: Association of Women Geoscientists Award of Geoscience Excellence (2023)

  • Special Award winner: Ricoh Sustainable Development Award (2023)

  • Grand Award winner: 4th place in Plant Sciences (2022)

  • Special Award winner: American Meteorological Society Award (2022)

 

Westlake/Somers Science Fair

  • First place award winner (2021)

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Civic Awards

  • Certificate of Recognition from New York State Senate for 2023 Regeneron STS (2023)

  • Citation from New York State Assembly for 2023 Regeneron STS (2023)

  • Certificate of Recognition from Westchester County Executive George Latimer for 2023 Regeneron STS (2023)

  • Certificate of Merit from Westchester Board of Legislators: Recognition for 2023 Regeneron STS (2023)

  • Proclamation from Westchester County Executive George Latimer: Recognition of individual achievement in scientific research (2022)

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Harrison High School Science and Technology Symposium (2021-2023)

  • Featured presenter and speaker 

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