Sayville High School Students Present at Prestigious Science Symposiums

Sayville High School students recently demonstrated their commitment to scientific inquiry and innovation by presenting original research at two prestigious Long Island science symposiums, highlighting the depth and quality of the district’s Research and Inquiry in Science and Engineering (RISE) program.

“These students exemplify the curiosity, dedication, and perseverance that define scientific research,” said Stephanie Bricker, Sayville High School principal. “Their willingness to tackle complex questions, conduct meaningful investigations, and share their findings with the broader scientific community is truly impressive. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and the way they represented Sayville High School at these distinguished symposiums.”

At the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) Science Scholars Symposium, sophomores Angela Liselli and Samantha Graziano presented their research project, Vertical Mapping of Contamination in Tree Bark Following High Volatility Structure Fire. Using the ATTOMAP Micro X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Microprobe at BNL, students investigated how contaminants from structure fires spread into the surrounding environment. Their findings provided valuable insights into the movement and distribution of fire-related pollutants in natural ecosystems.

Also presenting at the BNL symposium were juniors Amelia Doxsee, Gia Pisani and Kieran Larkin. Their project, Determining the Provenance of Glacial Erratics Using Garnet Trace Geochemistry, used XRF analysis to examine trace elements found in garnet crystals from glacial boulders located along Long Island’s North Shore. Their research helped identify the origins of these boulders and offered new perspectives on glacial ice movement and the geological processes that shaped Long Island during the most recent ice ages.

At the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Science Symposium, sophomores Abigail Alberti and Emma McMulkin presented their research project, DNA Barcode Identification of Parasitic Wasp Species for Use in Targeted Integrated Pest Management, which contributed to ongoing efforts to identify environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides. By studying specific parasitic wasp species, the students’ findings support research focused on sustainable agricultural pest control practices.

Sophomores Alexa Yacono and Gabriella Michailidis also presented their project, The Effects of Acetaldehyde on the Gut Microbiome of Dugesia Tigrina, which explored how exposure to harmful chemicals affects the intestinal microbiome and cellular regeneration in planaria. Their findings provide valuable insight into the potential impact of substances such as alcohol and vaping-related compounds on biological systems, with implications for understanding human health and the gut microbiome.

The RISE program at Sayville High School provides students with the opportunity to engage in rigorous, student-driven research and innovation at an advanced level. Through access to state-of-the-art laboratory and technology resources, students conduct university-level STEM research, analyze data, and develop solutions to real-world challenges. The program also offers specialized experiences, including DNA Barcoding training through a partnership with the Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center, helping prepare students for future studies and careers in STEM fields.

For more information on the Sayville Union Free School District, visit the district’s website at sayvilleschools.org. Happenings in the district can also be found on the district’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/saydistrictpr. #CaringAndLearning