Ossining Students Win Top Awards at International Science Fair

Ossining High School senior Giovanni Santucci received the Best in Category award for behavioral sciences at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Arizona Friday, making him the top student in the world for his field of study.

Classmates Kellen Cooks and Maggie Ford, who are also in the school’s prestigious Science Research Program, each won fourth-place awards in their categories and $500.

Every spring, about 1,800 student finalists from around the world win a spot in the international fair, which is the largest pre-college science competition. They compete in 20 categories for about $5 million in awards and prizes.

"Each and every one of you is amazing and will go on to do spectacular things," said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Center for Science and the Public, which coordinates the competition. "So congratulations to all of you, our impressive finalists. I can't wait to see what you do next.'

Giovanni conducted cutting-edge research that shows that virtual reality headsets can advance our ability to track concussion impacts on proprioception – perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body – and reveal lingering effects that leave people at risk for secondary concussions.

Best of Category winners were selected from the first-place award winners in each category. The Best of Category recipients receive a $5,000 scholarship in addition to their $3,000 first place award, and their school and the Intel ISEF-affiliated fair they represent will receive $1,000. Giovanni also received a Certificate of Honorable Mention from the American Psychological Association for his research.

Kellen’s research in the behavioral science field blended ArcGIS interactive mapping and behavioral science to understand patterns in graffiti disapproval in New York City. His work revealed how urban planners can capitalize on people’s opinions to spur city revitalization and economic growth.

Maggie’s groundbreaking work in cellular biology advances understanding of the complex immune mechanisms that drive the pathology of ankylosing spondylitis, a type of back arthritis.

Students earn a spot in the international competition by excelling in ISEF-affiliated local, regional and national fairs. They are judged on their creative ability, scientific thought, and the skill, clarity and thoroughness their projects demonstrate, according to the Society for Science and the Public.