On June 1, the Oyster Bay Middle/High School hosted its annual Science Research Symposium in the school library. The event celebrated students’ accomplishments in the school’s research program and offered guests the opportunity to explore a wide range of student-led investigations into real-world scientific challenges.

The evening began with a warm welcome from science research teacher Mr. Dan Moy, followed by opening remarks from OBMHS Principal Ms. Melissa Argaman. Visitors were invited to browse the research projects displayed throughout the library, where they could speak directly with the student scientists and learn more about the work.

After the gallery viewing, attendees gathered to hear formal presentations from three individual students and two research teams. The presenters spoke confidently about their work, which spanned a wide range of topics, including sustainable energy, genetics, behavioral science, and machine learning.

Presenting students included:

* Tate Baehr, Benjamin Kansler and Joseph Kopacz (Grade 8) – “Analysis of copper sulfate toxicity as well as local water sources on reproduction, growth, development, and cardiovascular function in Daphnia magna.”

* George Giorgou, Nicholas Paleos and Jeffrey Zhang (Grade 9) – “Development and implementation of electromagnetic induction-powered floor tiles with integrated sodium-ion energy storage for pedestrian-friendly biomechanical energy harvesting: A quasi-experimental and controlled study.”

* Silas Miller (Grade 10) – “Cue types on opinion formed at the local level.”

* Ella Kopacz (Grade 10) – “A framework for rapid drug repurposing: biomarker-driven library to target BC and OC mutations.”

* Chrysta Thomas (Grade 11) – “Shaped by signals: Leveraging breast cancer nuclear morphology to elucidate regulatory pathways as therapeutic targets.”

The evening concluded with a compelling keynote address by Jack Casey, OBMHS’s Class of 2017 valedictorian, who recently reconnected with the high school through the new alumni association, Baymen Alumni Network. After graduating from OBMHS, Jack attended Binghamton University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical engineering. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the Multiplex Biotechnology Laboratory at Stony Brook University. Jack’s current research focuses on advancing multiplex immunofluorescence technology and using neural networks to characterize complex disease states. 

The Science Research Symposium showcased the depth of talent and dedication among OBMHS students and underscored the school’s commitment to nurturing a passion for scientific exploration.