Science Research Soars at CHHS
 

On June 7, the Science Research Symposium was hosted in the rotunda of Croton-Harmon High School, showcasing the impressive research conducted by students enrolled in the Science Research Program. If you were unable to make it, please see the list of presentations from our seniors:

• Lila Clarke: DARK MATTER AND STERILE NEUTRINOS

• Benjamin Gardos: REDOX FLOW BATTERIES

• Varsha Saravanan: CAR T-CELLS

• Dylan Thomas: MACHINE LEARNING

Before the symposium, Science Research and AP Biology teacher Robert Keehn provided insight into the program and its recent growth. Mr. Keehn shared that he was hired last year to help build the program after a few years of decreasing enrollment. “Last year’s incoming class had about 12 students, and this year over 20 students enrolled, basically doubling the program size,” he said.

The Science Research Program spans three years, with students beginning in their Sophomore year. Throughout the program, students determine their research topic, review science journals, secure a mentor, and then work with that mentor to conduct research. The program's third year is focused on completing their research paper and entering competitions, including Regeneron’s Science Talent Search and the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair. 
 

Students are able to choose their area of study, which is usually inspired by a personal interest. Topics range from Nuclear Fission and Sleep Paralysis to In-Vitro Gametogenesis and Plant Epigenetics. 
 

The research being conducted by rising Seniors Mikayla Thomas and Caroline Casieri are examples of the range of topics students explore through this program. Mikayla, who is currently reaching out to potential mentors at universities such as Harvard, Cornell, and MIT, described her research project, Human Perception of Design. She is focusing on “how people’s behavior and emotions are impacted by certain aspects of design, such as font size or color.” She shared that she was drawn to the program because it allows her to work independently on a topic that she is passionate about instead of “just doing what everyone else is learning.”
 

Caroline described herself as a lover of biology and someone intrigued by viruses. Her research, Engineering Vaccines to Combat Evolving Viruses, focuses on “the future of Dimethyl Sulfoxide used in therapeutics and its potential applications in cancer treatment.” She is excited to have secured a mentor at Pfizer and hopes to get into the lab with the scientist this summer. 
 

Congratulations to the Science Research students and Mr. Keehn on another successful year filled with curiosity, passion, and inspiration!