Congratulations to Syosset High School seniors Adam Canarick, Rushabh Mehta, Ben Rhee and Yash Samantaray who have been named prizewinning scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search (formerly Intel and Westinghouse), the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition.
Adam concluded that while there is technology to allow the physically disabled to participate in various sports, there is presently no viable assistive technology available on the commercial market to accommodate tennis, a sport he enjoys. As a result, he designed a prosthetic tennis racquet with a spring-loaded handle to allow amputees to play tennis and send the ball a great distance.
Rushabh analyzed the motions of mouns (electrically charged particles) in an accelerator to understand how one of the basic building blocks of the universe is affected by force fields. Using different techniques, a new model of motion was derived and found to be more precise than prior estimations. His research could introduce new exotic physics into the mix that could be expanding the universe.
Ben researched a more accurate scale system for predicting the destructiveness of extratropical cyclones such as hurricanes. Using a computer program, he analyzed power dissipation, which measures wind speed to compare wind characteristics with storm surge and sea level pressures over time. Ben determined that this can be a more effective way to predict costal damage.
Yash infused ruthenium nanoparticles (platinum) to hydrogen fuel cells to enhance their effectiveness, durability and practicality as a clean energy source. He previously infused gold-platinum to hydrogen cells but found the ruthenium to be more financially feasible (about 1/50th the price) and even more durable. Improving hydrogen fuel cells can result in replacing fossil fuel cells as a leading energy source.
“What an accomplishment it is for these four students to be selected among the top 300 young scientists in the nation,” said Syosset High School science research coordinator Veronica Ade, who saw nine of her students qualify for the Siemens competition earlier this year, including Rushabh and Yash. “It is an unbelievable feat for our school to consistently have students meet this caliber of excellence in this area. The ability for Adam, Ben, Rushabh and Yash to interpret their process and convey the inspiration for their work is a big part of why they have made it this far. I wish them all the best in the future.”
Alumni of the competition have made extraordinary contributions to science and hold more than 100 of the world’s most distinguished science and math honors, including the Nobel Prize and the National Medal of Science. As a result of their award-winning research, Adam, Ben, Rushabh and Yash will each receive $2,000 and the school will receive an additional $2,000 based on each winner. They are among 300 Regeneron STS scholars recognized nationwide.
Later this month, 40 finalists will be named and invited to Washington, DC in March, where they will display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists, and compete for additional awards, including the top prize of $250,000. Good luck to Adam, Ben, Rushabh and Yash!