MHS Students Present Original Science Research

The 15^th Annual Mamaroneck High School Original Science Research Symposium is not your routine science fair.  Held last night at the high school, the event consisted of students in the four-year Original Science Research (OSR) course presenting original research of the nth degree.  

Under the guidance of teacher advisers Guido Garbarino and Chris Ward, the class is designed to provide students with an understanding of research methodology in the natural, social, mathematical and applied sciences, and the students chosse topics that often read like titles of doctoral dissertations, such as "The Use of Glial Restricted Stem Cells to Modulate Oxidative Stress in Neurodegenerative Disorders" (Zoe Jacobson); "Efficacy of cAMP Analogs in E.coli Cell Signaling" (Matt Sandler); and "Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives in American Business Plans" (Ana Selonick).

Senior Jack Miller conducted a study to determine "The Effect of Contrast Density and Mixing Procedure on Layering of Contrast in Myelography."  Having won considerable honors during the course of his research, Miller became the first MHS student to hold back-to-back selections at the International Engineering and Science Fair.  Miller will be attending University of Pennsylvania in the fall as a pre-med student.

During their research, students collaborate with professional mentors in their fields.  Sophomore Alex Kreinces researched "The Effect of After-school Activities on Academic Achievement" with his mentor, Dr. Suniya Luthar, a professor of Developmental and Clinical Psychology at Columbia University whose studies on children in affluent communities has received attention in scientific and academic circles. Kreinces has one year remaining on his research, and Dr. Luthar plans to be with him every step of the way.  

Barnard-bound Ilana Zuker-Scharff studied "The Effect of Light on Melanized vs. Non-Melanized Cryptococcus Nedformans" and has worked side by side with her mentor, Dr. Arturo Casadevall, chairman of the Microbiology and Immunology Department at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx.

MHS Principal Dr. Mark Orfinger found the variety of topics selected by the students "staggering."  He described OSR's entry process: "An invitation is sent to all entering freshmen.  Students who are interested in taking the course spend their first year in the Introduction to Research class, which meets before school two days per week."  Orfinger calls the poise, public speaking and relationships students develop with their mentors "extraordinary."  This sentiment was echoed by Nifer Fasmann, Paul Antonios and Alexander Mendez, alumni of the OSR course.  The three former students have just completed their freshman year in college and returned to MHS to attend this year's symposium.  All three credit their years spent in OSR with their ability to conduct research, collaborate with others and deliver presentations as college students.

As in prior years, current students have been the recipients of numerous awards and honors, and OSR receives high grades from students, parents, and faculty whose enthusiasm for the program is apparent.  Their numbers at the symposium spoke volumes.  The Mamaroneck School's Foundation has donated funds for next year to upgrade much needed technology, and an OSR Parents Committee has been formed to help support the program and raise funds.  

And support the program we must.  For the past two years, junior Allyson Feitler has been studying the potential reduction in storm water run-off (and potential flood mitigation) by implementing green roofs in the Village of Mamaroneck.  Her work is ongoing.  Who would dare want her to stop because of lack of funds? She may very well hold the key to the flooding problems in the area!

Last week, residents of Larchmont and Mamaroneck voted to approve the 2010-2011 school budget by an overwhelming 66 percent.  This week, the students in the Original Science Research program proved without a doubt that they are worth the investment and so much more.  

To help OSR meet its goals for the coming year, please donate at http://xrl.us/friendsofosr