Ossining High School Senior Wins Spot in National Competition

Skyler Jones, a senior in OHS’ Science Research Program, finished in first place at the recent Upstate Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, making her one of five New York scholars who will compete in the national competition next month.

Each year, high school students with the most outstanding scientific research projects in the state compete in Albany for five prestigious spots representing New York at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. The students will present their research to professional scientists for numerous cash awards and scholarships at the 56th annual national symposium May 2-5 in Maryland.

“This year, senior Skyler Jones earned first place for her outstanding research that sheds new light on charge carriers that may improve the efficiency of solar cells,” said Angelo Piccirillo, who co-teaches the Science Research Program with Valerie Holmes.

Skyler studied the use of perovskite crystals as semiconductors in solar cells, which are the parts of the solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. They are more efficient and less expensive than silicon solar cells.

Skyler is also one of 40 national finalists in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search. The students travel to Washington this month to compete for more than $1.8 million in awards.

Several other OHS students received recognition for their research at the upstate Junior Science and Humanities Symposium March 7-8. In the speaker category, Sarah Hoffman received third place in New York State for her cellular and molecular biology project. In the poster category, Emma San Martin won first place for her work in physical science. Eric Schmid’s project received first place in environmental studies.

“The fact that these students shine among so many bright young scientists from numerous other schools make these results even more gratifying,” Mr. Piccirillo said.

The local selection process began Feb. 3 at the Westchester/Rockland Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, held at John Jay High School in Cross River. More than 500 students from 38 high schools competed in the event. Ossining students earned five first place awards at that event.

The Junior Science and Humanities Symposia are sponsored by the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force. Participants present original research and experimentation in the sciences, technology, engineering and math. The Army, Navy and Air Force’s goal is to widen the pool of trained young men and women who are prepared to conduct research and development that are vital to the country.

(OHS students won several awards at the Upstate Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. The medal winners in the front row are, from left to right, Eric Schmid, Skyler Jones, Emma San Martin and Sarah Hoffman.)