McArthur Students Research At National Laboratory

Levittown Schools:This summer was a busy one for two science research students from General Douglas MacArthur High School. Sophomore Jordan Flores and senior Isabella Molina conducted research at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. Flores spent four weeks at BNL participating in the STEM Prep Summer Institute.

The program consisted of four one-week modules covering topics in biology, chemistry, environmental science, physics and scientific computing. Experienced educators engaged the participants in hands-on activities relating to the different types of research conducted at BNL. With a strong interest in particle science, Flores enjoyed physics week during the program. He had a fantastic instructor, John Hirdt who introduced the students to the
physics behind particle accelerators and accelerator science. “I was able to visit the National Synchrotron Light Source-II and the Tandem Van de Graff, meet the incredible scientists that work here and learn about what they do,” Flores said. “Along with meeting scientists that work with accelerators, there were three guest speakers who all work with accelerators: Dr. Lee Hammons, Silvia Verdu Andres and Bruce Ravel. They all shared insight on their careers and information about what they do here at BNL. I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to participate in this program and it truly was an unforgettable experience.”

Molina also carried out her own research at BNL where she worked on improving protein crystallization techniques. The findings of her team provided information that will assist in improving crystallography methods, specifically in regard to drug discovery. “It was an amazing summer,” she said about the experience. “My research skills were enhanced over the course of the program and I learned how to solve complex problems by applying various skills and collaborating with others. In addition to its academic benefits, the program has helped me gain important life skills. I learned how to network, choose a career path that suits my interests and how to communicate with others in a job-like setting.”