Bellmore-Merrick Student Named Siemens Semifinalist

A John F. Kennedy High School student has been named one of 498 semifinalists in the Siemens Competition.

Out of more than 1,600 projects submitted, Perri Zilberman had his chosen to be among the semifinalists. He is among 69 Long Island students who were named semifinalists.

Zilberman has been recognized for his research on “The Correlation Between Debris Disks and Hot Jupiters.”

"I am so proud of Perri; he is an outstanding young scientist,” said Science Chairperson Robert Soel. “Perri's research on exoplanets is on the cutting edge of astronomy and astrophysics. His ongoing passion for astronomy, and his diligence and attentiveness to his own research make him a wonderful role model for our science research students across the district."

The Siemens Competition honors the best and brightest students for their accomplishments in math, science and technology. Every year, students submit innovative individual and team research projects to regional and national levels of competition as they vie for college scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000.

The semifinalists and their projects will next be judged to determine who advances on to six regional competitions to be held in November. Individual and team winners of the regional contests earn the opportunity to compete in the national finals held at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., in December when $500,000 in scholarships will be awarded, including two top prizes of $100,000.

The prize, launched by the Siemens Foundation in 1999, was established to increase access to higher education for students who are gifted in STEM and is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens. The competition seeks to recognize and build a strong pipeline for the nation’s most promising scientists, engineers and mathematicians.

Photo: Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.