PMHS Science Research Team Takes 32 Medals

Pelham Memorial High School Science Research students came home with 32 medals, doing what their science research teacher and adviser, Steven Beltecas, described as "an outstanding job" at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF).

Students showcased their multi-year research science projects in a competitive venue featuring individual and team poster presentations.

Based on their performance, four students, Haoxuan Yan, Brett Bell, Zhun Che and Julia Kavanagh, will now compete at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). 

"I am very proud of every participant from our program," said Mr. Beltecas. "This was Pelham's best year. We doubled our winnings from last year as well as earned the highest national recognition to represent NYS at the International INTEL competition."  

More than 350 students from 33 area high schools in Westchester and Putnam Counties presented their science research projects at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair.

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) is the world's largest international pre-college science competition and provides an annual forum for more than 1,500 high school students from about 60 countries, regions, and territories to showcase their independent research as they compete for more than $3 million annually. The Intel ISEF is the premier global science competition for students in grades 9 through 12. 

Expenses for the trip are paid from donations by sponsors Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Acorda Therapeutics.   

Mr. Beltecas also thanked the Pelham Board of Education, high school administration and staff for their support as well as the Pelham Education Foundation for its funding of multiple mini-grants and the biotech room.  

He said many members of the community and parents gave their time and financial donations to the program and the building of new wooden poster boards.  He acknowledged his colleagues in the Science department.

"They have put in endless hours during the week and weekends to help bring our program to another level," said Beltcas.  

Community members (science researchers as well as writers, editors, statisticians, etc) interested in helping with the program in any way they can offer are asked to email Steven Beltecas - Science Research Director at sbeltecas@pelhamschools.org to get involved. 

Student winners are:
Haoxuan Yuan (senior)
Title: Menin Controlled Cell Differentiation, Renewal, and Transformation of Normal and Neoplastic Stem Cells

Brett Bell (junior)
Title: Angiopoietin-1 and R-Spondin1 Mitigate Radiation Induced Gastrointestinal Syndrome

Zhun Che & Julia Kavanagh (juniors)
Title of Project: Combating Mycobacterium Tuberculosis by Induction of Self-Poisoning

2nd place in category
Miranda Chao (junior)

3rd place in category
Eamon Corbett (senior)
Matt Baffuto and Patrick Diffley (team) (sophomores)
Amanda Carew (senior)
Megan Krause (junior)

4th place in category
Owen Robinson (senior)
Emma McLaughlin (senior)
Anna Doran (senior)
Maddie Leonard (junior)
Elizabeth Calder (junior)
T.J. Hurd and Sammy Goldman (team)

Special Awards (presented by various organizations and societies)
earned by the following students:

Anna Doran (senior)
Stockholm Junior Water Prize - Top water related project
Momentive Performance Materials Award - top projects that demonstrate innovation and sustainability.

Owen Robinson (senior)
Momentive Performance Materials Award - top projects that demonstrate innovation and sustainability.

Eamon Corbett (senior)
Environmental Perspiration Award - to recognize perseverance and dedication in conducting field work
Teatown Young Naturalist Award - awarded to outstanding projects that study animals in their natural surroundings

Christina Ulto (senior)
Walter Kass Memorial Award - exceptional behavioral science project.

Remy Goldschmidt (junior)
The Association of Geoscientists Award - for top research in the environment, earth or space science categories.

Julia Serafin (senior)
The Association of Geoscientists Award - for top research in the environment, earth or space science categories.
RICOH Sustainable Energy Award - awarded to top renewable energy projects

Brendan Roche  (sophomore)
Mu Alpha Theta Award - projects involving the use of mathematics in a challenging, original and creative investigation.

Sophia Merelas (junior)
Society for In Vitro Biology Award - awarded to 11th grade students with top projects in tissue or cell studies