Five Ossining Students are Science Talent Search Scholars

Congratulations to the five Ossining High School students who are semifinalists in the Society for Science Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022, the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition! They are among 300 students chosen as scholars in the Science Talent Search, and the most from any school in Westchester County. The scholars and OHS will be awarded $2,000 each.

The students and the titles of their research are:

• Natalie Calman, “Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training Improves the Emotional Well-Being of Adolescents.”
• Rose Cioffi, “Chronic Exercise Paired with Immersive Virtual Reality Reduces Stress and Improves Cognitive Performance in Adolescents.”
• Nyasha Nyoni, “Unhealthy Scrolling: Instagram Influencers Endorse More Unhealthy Food and Beverage Products Compared to Celebrities.”
• Aaron Min Song, “Elucidating Terrestrial Optical Refrigeration through Transpiration in Rhizophora mangle and Chlorophyll a Floruescence in Low-Polarity Mediums.”
• Cameron Ali Takmil, “Effects of Virtual Learning on Education: Disparities linked to Socioeconomic Status and Resiliency Diminished Amidst the Pandemic.”

"We are proud of all our science research seniors, including the five who have been recognized by Regeneron STS," said Angelo Piccirillo, who co-teaches the program with Valerie Holmes. "Our community is better for what these outstanding young people represent -- young people determined to make a positive impact."

The Society for Science will name 40 Science Talent Search finalists Jan. 20. They will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a weeklong competition in March.

The Society for Science received 1,804 applications from 603 high schools in 46 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and eight other countries.

“Congratulations to this year’s 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars for their remarkable contributions and discoveries in the STEM field,” said Christina Chan, senior
vice president, Corporate Communications & Citizenship, at Regeneron. “We are honored to
celebrate this new generation of problem solvers who have demonstrated the
depth of their innovative thinking, commitment to continuous learning, and
ability to tackle global challenges in creative ways.”