OHS Student Named Finalist in Regeneron Science Talent Search 2023

Ossining High School senior Joseph Robertazzi was named as a finalist in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors, for his research on migratory bird populations.

Joseph’s research project, titled Migration and Magnetism: A Longitudinal Analysis Identifying the Relationship Between the South Atlantic Anomaly and Shifts in Migratory Bird Populations, investigated a possible contributor to migratory bird declines using innovative python approaches and sophisticated analyses of vast volunteer generated bird sightings databases such as eBird.

Earlier this month, Joseph and five other seniors in Ossining High School's renowned Science Research program were selected as semifinalists for the 82nd annual contest. The top 40 finalists were chosen based on their projects’ scientific rigor and their potential to become world-changing scientific leaders. Finalists were selected by a national jury of professional scientists from a pool of 300 scholars, chosen from a pool of over 1,900 highly-qualified entrants, all of whom completed an original research project and extensive application process.

“I’m honored to be selected as finalist, it’s exciting to know all the hard work I put into this project is being recognized nationally by the scientific community,” said Joseph. “I’m thankful to Ms. Holmes and Mr. Piccirillo, and my mentor Dr. Cottrell for supporting me throughout the entire research process. I’m looking forward to the final competition in March!”

Joseph started his project during sophomore year and continued refining it until the end of the summer before his senior year. His project sought to investigate whether populations of North American migratory birds were shifting/changing while migrating through a large, weak area on Earth's magnetic field known as the South Atlantic Anomaly (or more commonly referred to as the SAA). Joseph analyzed large publicly available datasets and found that over the past two decades, the populations of these migratory birds have been shifting away from the SAA.

Valerie Holmes, OHS Science Teacher and Co-Director of the Science Research Program, said she is thrilled with the news that Joseph will advance to the finals.

“The Regeneron Science Talent Search is such an awesome opportunity and powerful motivator that brings out the best in our kids, nationwide. It has been inspiring to follow Joseph, and my other students, as they bring creativity and innovative approaches to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems,” said Ms. Holmes.

Angelo Piccirillo, OHS Science Teacher and Co-Director of the Science Research Program echoed those sentiments, and said he is humbled by Joseph's latest achievement.

“Those of us who live this day in and day out know how much it takes to be recognized as an STS finalist. We are very grateful for all the support we received from our teachers, mentors and entire school district. Joe is an amazing young scientist who models the best in our next generation and is an inspiration for the adults that have supported him,” Mr. Piccrillo said.

In March, Joseph and the other finalists will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards, with each finalist awarded at least $25,000. The top 10 winners will earn prizes ranging from $40,000 to $250,000 and will be announced during an awards ceremony on March 14, streamed live from Washington, D.C.