Schools
PMHS Students Perform At Science Research Competition
"The students were determined to help each other as they worked feverishly over the last two weeks and their hard work and grit paid off."
From Pelham School District: PMHS seniors Kiera Mallinson and Peter Wei were named Grand Prize winners following strong performances at the 18th Annual Regeneron Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF) held Saturday, March 17. Kiera and Peter were among several PMHS science research students who had standout performances at WESEF, continuing a great run of success for the program.
Kiera’s performance earned her the opportunity to compete at the International Science & Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) along with just 15 others at WESEF while Peter was among nine students to win a spot at the International Genius Olympiad which features projects having to do with sustainability in energy, environment, engineering and global health. Overall, Pelham had 14 students place in the top four in their categories with eight students being recognized with special awards.
“The students were determined to help each other as they worked feverishly over the last two weeks and their hard work and grit paid off,” said Science Research Teacher Steve Beltecas. “It was an amazing feeling all week watching our research family work together and help each other through a very grueling process. Dr. Tom Callahan (Pelham’s Director of Math and Science) and Physics Science teacher Joe Dibello and Physics teacher Jason Lindley deserve special recognition for their instrumental roles in our student’s success. I’m also truly thankful to Principal Jeannine Clark, and our amazing Pelham community -- parents, administrators and the Board of Education -- for all of your continued support in making Pelham Science Research one of the best programs in Westchester.”
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The WESEF competition, held at Sleepy Hollow High School, includes more than 600 students from 40 Westchester and Putnam county high schools who showcase their multi-year science research projects in a competitive venue. Participants, mostly seniors and juniors involved in their high school Science Research programs, present individual and team posters, which are judged by local experts in the fields of life science, physical science, environmental studies, psychology and engineering.
Pelham Results
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Grand Prize Winners
- Kiera Mallinson – Engineering (Qualified for Intel ISEF (Intel’s International Science & Engineering Fair)
- Peter Wei - Cellular and Molecular Biology (Qualified for International GENIUS Olympiad)
1st in category:
- Peter Wei - Cellular and Molecular Biology
2nd in category:
- Hannah Mackay - Neuroscience
- Emily Xue - Medicine and Health
- Sam Imperato - Physics and Astronomy
3rd in category:
- Francesca Di Cristofano - Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Sam Tsang - Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Caitlin Wong - Behavioral
- Jillian Harrison - Behavioral
- Priya Varanasi - Environmental Science
4th in category:
- Alyssa Wong - Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Aidan Sisk, Bernadette Russo, Morgan McLean (team) - Environmental Science
Special Awards
- American Meteorological Society Award - Aidan Sisk, Bernadette Russo, Morgan McLean
- ASU Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiative - Eyuel Bekele
- Ricoh Sustainable Development Award - Bill Taubner
- Innovations in Biological Sciences Research Award - Jon Girolamo
- Mianus River Gorge Ecology Award - Mateo Rivera
- Behavioral Science Achievement Award - Anais Leon - Kelly
Image courtesy of Pelham School District