Commack Student's Research Published in Scientific Journal

A Commack senior's research project is earning her recognition and acclaim far beyond the walls of Commack High School. 

Senior Trinity Russell's science research article on the behavioral difference between domesticated and wild fruit flies appeared on the cover of the Journal of Experimental Secondary Science in July. The article was co-authored by Richard Kurtz, the science research teacher. 

" It is rewarding to know that I have contributed to science research on a professional level. Becoming a published author has always been a dream of mine. However, I would have never envisioned accomplishing this dream while in high school. Commack High School’s Science Research Program has given me the aptitude to succeed. Although the last three years have been challenging, the outcome is worth every moment of hard work," Russell said. 

Russell's research article is  titled "A Comparision of Lab-Reared Stock and Captured Fruit Flies rosophila melanogaster) using Upward Movement, Phototaxic, and Starvation Assays Reveals Significant Behavioral Differences." The senior's research revealed there are notable difference in the behavior of lab-raised fruit flies and those found in the natural environment. 

Some of the differences Russell found in her research were that lab-reared fruit flies and wild fruit flies had differences in vertical movement speed, and that wild fruit flies could withstand starvation twice as long as lab-raised fruit flies. For the full article, visit the Journal of Secondary Experimental Science's website. 

Over the summer, Russell has been conducting research into fly neurobiology at Cold Spring Harbor Labs.  She also rinity also attended the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in eleventh grade, winning a third place Grand Award in Animal Sciences.