From finding a solution to the worldwide malaria epidemic, to purifying water in developing countries, and increasing the efficiency of solar tracking systems, Yorktown High School students have taken science to a whole new level. 

More than 60 students in the Yorktown High School Science Research Program, a three-year program, recently competed in two international competitions. Of them, 11 were seniors who presented their work with a short PowerPoint presentation in front of parents, teachers, school officials and peers on June 2 at the 10th Annual Science Symposium.

The rest of the students showcased their projects in the high school cafeteria where community members got to ask them questions and learn about their research. 

"[The students] do all the local, state and national and international competitions, but for them to come back here tonight and this being kind of the culminating presentation of their three-year experience is a great opportunity for them," high school principal Joseph DeGennaro said. "And it's a great opportunity for our entire learning community for people to come out and see them here."

He acknowledged that Yorktown's science research program is one of the top programs in the area. The program is lead by science teachers Michael Blueglass and Michael Salmore who have helped lead the award-winning students. 

Reflective of the students' work, Superintendent Ralph Napolitano said that researchers are willing to give their time, energy, knowledge, skills, love, reflections and to search for cures, look for ways to control diseases and control conditions in the environment. 

"The plight of the researcher is a very challenging one," he told audience members. "There are long hours of detailed work."

Some of the presentations included Amanda Cesario, who won second place in Environment for her work to determine the effect of a potential water purifying plant, Moringa, in removing substances such as E.coli in an effort to make the water drinkable. Her goal is to help people in developing nations who don’t have access to commercial water filtration systems.

Matthew McIntyre, who won second place in Microbiology and the U.S. Army Award, presented his work on a possible solution to the worldwide malaria epidemic, which could be targeted by future pharmaceuticals. 

Michael Cerabona, who won second and fourth places in Engineering, the Naval research award and the GE Energy Award this year, presented his work in creating a solar cell tracking device. 

"I was struck by the professionalism and the pure joy of the students," said Dr. Howard Moskowitz said, who holds a Ph.D from Harvard University, adding that the students were becoming the scientists America needs. 

The following seniors presented their research projects:

• Palak Bhambri- Detection of GFP tagged stem cells in dogs with pacing induced heart failure
• Michael Cerabona- Increasing the efficiency of solar tracking systems
• Amanda Cesario- Plant-aided water purifications: using Moringa oleifera to reduce waterborne diseases in developing countries
• Kathryn Kean- Detecting underlying factors that encourage reading participation in secondary students
• David Lu- Characterization of GATA-6 positive stem cells in the adult mouse heart
• Matthew McIntyre- A solution to the worldwide malaria epidemic: T. gondii Mitochondria associate proteins as potential drug targets of tomorrow
• Nikita Patel- Distribution of soluble epoxide hydrolase in the rat kidneys: role in blood pressure
• David Stavans- Factors affecting magnetic levitation
• Ben Strober- Analysis of short-term Aflibercept effects as possible predictions of long-tern efficacy
• Alex Trestyn- Developing more reliable medical imaging software
• Arya Viswanathan- The effect of low birth weight on the development of executive functions

Check out the videos and pictures for highlights from the Symposium. 

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