The Croton-Harmon High School Science Research Symposium offered a powerful look at what it means for students to engage deeply in inquiry, analysis, and real-world problem solving. Held in the evening and open to families and community members, the event highlighted the work of students at different stages of the research process, each demonstrating a high level of commitment, curiosity, and growth. It also reflected a broader approach across the district, one that encourages students from a young age to discover their interests and develop them over time.

Thirteen third year students reached an important milestone, presenting their work in a more formal setting with dedicated time blocks and a question and answer component. Remaining in the program for three years and bringing a project to this level of depth requires sustained focus, resilience, and a willingness to work through challenges over time. Their presentations reflected not only content knowledge, but also an ability to synthesize information, defend their reasoning, and consider broader implications, skills that are built gradually through the full research experience.

Among these presentations, two examples help illustrate the depth and evolution of student work.

Dylan Lopez’s project offered a strong example of how research evolves over time. Initially focused on the health impacts of extreme temperatures, his work shifted toward developing solutions, specifically how artificial intelligence could be used to predict and communicate dangerous weather conditions at a local level. His goal is to provide communities with more timely and accessible information so individuals can better prepare and protect themselves, particularly in areas that may lack resources.

Just as notable was the growth he described in his ability to navigate complex academic research. “When I started looking at 20 to 50 page research articles, they were so dense I could barely make sense of them,” he explained. “I didn’t understand how data was being presented. Now I can read something like this and understand it.” That shift from confusion to comprehension reflects one of the most valuable outcomes of the program and a skill that will serve him well in college and beyond.

Reuben Daly’s research focused on the ecological impact of disease affecting beech trees, particularly the canopy gaps created as trees die. Conducting much of his fieldwork at Teatown Reservation, where the disease is widespread, Reuben examined how these gaps affect surrounding plant life, wildlife, and broader ecosystem cycles. His work has practical implications, as Teatown is using the data he helped collect to support grant applications aimed at managing the issue. Reuben emphasized the value of hands-on, field-based research and the opportunity to contribute to a real environmental challenge.

First and second year students presented their work in the main gym, standing beside tri-fold displays as visitors circulated and engaged them in conversation. These early-stage researchers spoke with clarity and confidence, walking attendees through the full arc of their projects, from topic selection and background research to methodology, early findings, and evolving conclusions. While many of these projects are still developing, students approached the experience with seriousness and enthusiasm, eagerly explaining both what they have learned and where their work is headed. As science teacher Laura Lynch noted, “students felt so positive during the event because they were communicating information that aligns with their passions,” an essential part of both the scientific process and creating meaningful, lasting learning experiences.

“The course supports a deep immersion in what they’d experience in college research or in a lab, but it also develops skills that are transferable across disciplines, and even outside the classroom, and it is truly rewarding to support these students in their endeavors in this course,” Ms. Lynch added.

The range of topics reflected both intellectual curiosity and personal connection. Students explored subjects such as rotator cuff injuries in high school athletes, edible insects as a food source, the use of consumer television technology for mini ACE administration, identifying potential drug candidates for Alzheimer’s disease, and the role of AI chatbots in managing anxiety and depression among young adults. Others examined the intersection of CRISPR and artificial intelligence in cancer care. In many cases, students were drawn to their topics because of personal or family experiences, adding an additional layer of meaning to their work. Each student is paired with a mentor, supporting them as they navigate the complexities of research and refine their thinking over time.

“We have so many talented and hardworking students in our community,” said Croton-Harmon High School science teacher Daniel Burgo. “My vision is that our program can supportively develop their creativity, passion for science, and commitment to the research process. I am so proud of the students and am happy for them to have the opportunity to showcase their work at this year’s symposium.”

The symposium is a clear example of how Croton-Harmon empowers students to pursue their interests with depth and purpose. The skills they are building through this work will serve them long after graduation.

The depth and range of student research is reflected in the following senior project topics:

• Scent Attraction of the Spotted Lantern Fly
• Regenerative Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy: A Review
• Using ADAPT to Predict CRISPR’s Ability to Detect lncRNAs for the Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Invasive Ant Colony Behavior and Interactions
• Antimatter in Relation to Dark Matter in Astrophysics and the Universe
• Improving Regional Temperature Forecasting with Hybrid Deep Learning Models
• Mapping Beech Stands and Potential Impacts of Beech Leaf Disease on Forest Dynamics
• Music as a Non-Invasive Medication
• Chemical Imbalances Influence on Different Neurological Disorders
• The Feasibility of Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) to Fabricate Transtibial Prosthetic Sockets
• Using Glutathione as a Supplement to Prevent Neurodegenerative Disease by Preserving Telomere Length
• The Integration of CRISPR and AI in Cancer Care
• Defining the Existence of Wave Functions and Superpositions Using Logical and Probabilistic Models