Two Syosset Students Are Siemens Semifinalists

Submitted by Syosset Public Schools

Two students at Syosset High School in the Syosset School District were named semifinalists in the extremely prestigious 2014 Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology.

Elaine He and Jiwei (Vivian) Zhong, both seniors, received special recognition by having their names published on the Siemens Competition website.

“I’m extremely proud of both of these accomplished students,” said Dr. Giovanni Durante, the principal of Syosset High School. “Their hard work has paid off, their futures are extraordinarily bright and they are wonderful ambassadors of Syosset High School.”

He’s research project title was “Identification of the target site of ADS-J1, the first small molecule HIV fusion inhibitor, using mutagenesis strategy.” She researched the potential to inhibit HIV from entering new host cells at the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute at the New York Blood Center.

Zhong’s research project title was “Regulating the Catalytic Kinetics of Thiol-stabilized Gold Nanoparticle Polymer Composites.” She conducted research at St. John’s University to compose a model for using gold nanoparticle catalysts on a wide-scale basis to promote greater efficiency in waste-free energy production for fuel cells.

The Siemens Competition is a highly competitive national contest that recognizes remarkable talent early in their scientific careers, fostering individual growth for high school students who are willing to challenge themselves through science research. Through this competition, students have an opportunity to achieve national recognition for science research that they complete in high school. The competition is administered by Discovery Education and is funded by the Siemens Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Siemens AG.

Photo: Jiwei (Vivian) Zhong and Elaine He.