Science Research Program to Host Annual Symposium

2023 Science Research Seniors

Over the years, Scarsdale High School students have worked to develop cures and treatments for diseases ranging from colorectal cancer to Alzheimer’s. One student even discovered a new planet while working at NASA. How? Under the direction of the Science Research program, which guides students through independent research. This program is run by Mr. Dylan Prendergast, Dr. Michael Kumaresan, and Ms. Nicole Pisano, who work together to help students develop fundamental background knowledge on a topic of their choice, find a research mentor, construct scientific presentations and papers, and prepare to present their work at research competitions. This year’s senior class was particularly successful at research competitions, with most participating students placing at each competition.

Most impressive among them were Ali El Moselhy, Jaden Tepper, and Cindy DeDianous, who were semifinalists at Regeneron STS, a highly prestigious and competitive research competition, with DeDianous going on to be the high school’s first-ever finalist. Moselhy successfully developed an algorithm that optimizes an HIV/AIDS treatment and intervention budget for sub-Saharan Africa. Tepper designed, created, and tested a novel device for the evacuation of subdural hematomas. And finally, DeDianous developed a novel method of diagnosing diabetic retinopathy at its earliest stages.  

This year’s virtual research symposium, which showcases the work of each student in the program, will be posted on June 1^st. David Duan, this year’s publicity committee chair, would like to share a few words about the program:

Science Research is a three-year elective class available to rising sophomores at Scarsdale High School. Students choose their own scientific topic of interest and conduct novel research in their field. 

In the first year, Sophomore year, students will read scientific papers to gain background knowledge on their topic. They will find a professional scientist mentor to help guide them in their studies and with whom they will conduct research over the summer. The year ends with the Westlake-Somers Competition, where they will practice presenting proposed summer research in front of a judging panel. They will utilize their sophomore summer to conduct research and formulate a presentation summarizing their summer experience. 

The objective of Junior year is to build upon their knowledge and research from the previous summer. They will also assist in workshopping and providing comments for the senior presentations. Throughout the year, Dr. Kumaresan teaches the students an introduction to statistics within the field of research. They are exposed to advanced mathematical concepts of hypothesis testing and probability. 

Senior year, the students will complete a full research project and present in both academic paper and presentation form. They will compete in regional and national competitions, including WESEF, Regeneron STS, and JS-HS. 

Every year, the Science Research class organizes an in-person and virtual symposium, displaying the various stages of research the students are involved in. The virtual symposium will be published on Thursday, June 1st, under the attached link. We hope everyone can appreciate the dedication the students have put in throughout the school year.  

Click here to access the link!