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Northport High School student wins Brookhaven Lab Bridge Building Competition

by Press Release - April 4, 2025

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BNL Maglev Competition — Mairead Carroll designed the most efficient bridge at this year's Bridge Building Competition. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/Brookhaven National Laboratory

And the results are in! Mairead Carroll, a senior from Northport High School, captured first place at the 2025 Bridge Building Competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton on March 14.

Students from 13 Long Island high schools followed a strict set of specifications to try to construct the most efficient model bridge out of lightweight basswood and glue.

The annual event shows high schoolers what it means to be an engineer in a fun, hands-on way and is one of many activities organized by Brookhaven Lab’s Office of Workforce Development and Science Education to cultivate the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math professionals.

“Because many students spent the whole day at the Lab as a field trip, they were able to take some time to talk to our engineers and educational staff about their career journeys, making the experience about more than just building,” said Educational Programs Administrator Michele Darienzo. “Plus, we all had so much fun!”

Commack High School students Joshua Kim, left, Vincent D’Angelo, and Jordan Gleit earned three out of the four top spots awarded at the competition. Photo by Kevin Coughlin/Brookhaven National Laboratory

Carroll and second-place winner Vincent D’Angelo, a junior from Commack High School, qualify to bring their designs to the International Bridge Building Contest in Chicago, Illinois on April 26.

“Participating in the Brookhaven National Lab Bridge Competition was an incredible experience, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be part of it,” Carroll said.

“It was a great chance to learn and grow as an aspiring civil engineer, and I’ve gained so much from the talented competitors I had the chance to meet. I’m excited to continue this journey and look forward to representing Northport at the International Bridge competition in Chicago,” she added.

Students and judges watched closely as Brookhaven Lab staff and volunteers tested 95 bridges under a crushing machine that slowly added more and more weight from above until the bridges broke or bent more than one inch. Bridges were ranked based on efficiency scores that are calculated from the load the bridge supports divided by the mass of the bridge — all in grams. The structures could not have a mass greater than 25 grams.

D’Angelo, who visited the Lab with classmates on competition day, said he focused on simplicity and keeping his bridge light. His fellow Commack High School students swept the contest’s remaining awards: junior Joshua Kim earned third place with a bridge that used trusses to maximize efficiency, and junior Jordan Gleit won an aesthetic award for bridge design thanks to a structure with lots of cross beams.

While bridge testing was underway, students toured the National Synchrotron Light Source II and Center for Functional Nanomaterials, two DOE Office of Science user facilities at Brookhaven with unique capabilities that draw scientists from all over the world to Long Island. Students met staff scientists and engineers and learned about the paths that led them to careers at BNL.

Competitors further tested their engineering skills during an activity that challenged them to craft five increasingly difficult structures out of Geomag magnetic toys and earned Brookhaven Lab goodies if they were successful. Competition organizers also quizzed students with Brookhaven Lab and science trivia for chances to win more prizes.

Suffolk County Community College to hold an Open House April 6

by Press Release - April 4, 2025

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Faculty, administrators, staff and current students at Suffolk County Community College will welcome new and prospective students to open house on Sunday, April 6, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Open House will take place at all three of the college’s campuses in Riverhead, Selden and Brentwood, as well as its Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center in Riverhead. Explore scholarships, tour the campuses, speak with Admissions and Financial Aid counselors, learn about student clubs and more. RSVP at www.sunysuffolk.edu/openhouse/

Antisemitic incidents discussed at Three Village Board meeting

by William Stieglitz - April 4, 2025

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TVBOE1 — Ward Melville High School. File photo by Greg Catalano

By William Stieglitz

Over a hundred people attended the March 26 Board meeting for Three Village Central School District, where reported incidents of antisemitism were discussed. The week before, Superintendent Scanlon had sent out a letter saying the incidents were part of “a larger issue occurring that we need to address” and that the district “is planning immediate and long-term, systemic methods to address antisemitism, racism and hate speech.” The meeting’s high attendance required the use of two overflow rooms, where community members watched the meeting down the hall via livestream.

Scanlon said the incidents “occurred at our middle level” and “most incurred speech and insensitive acts or remarks,” though there were no acts of violence or threats. Under state regulations, he could not comment on the specifics as a matter of protecting students’ privacy, though the public comments from community members, along with the district’s proposed solutions, did provide context.

Community member Shelly Samson thanked Scanlon for the letter following what she described as “the antisemitism incident that occurred at Gelinas Junior High School… in a social studies class after viewing a film on the Holocaust,” expressing concern for the “very insensitive remark.” According to Scanlon, the board had met with the Westchester Holocaust Center following the incidents and Christina Cone, the director of social studies, will be bringing in a Holocaust survivor on April 9 for 10th grade students to meet. Additionally, he announced they have been communicating with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Jewish Partisan Educations Foundation (JPEF), and that the board will be looking at training for teachers and reviewing the current curriculum. “It doesn’t matter if it was 1 or 41,” he said regarding the incidents. “One is enough.”

Everyone who made public comments on the incidents thanked or praised the board for their handling of the matter thus far. Community member and parent Galia Lahav said she’d like to see education on implicit antisemitism in addition to the “very explicit antisemitism” of the recent incidents. Rabbi Aaron Benson from the North Shore Jewish Center spoke on the number of antisemitic incidents nationwide, saying there were 3,697 reported in 2022, then 3,291 from the time of the October 7, 2023 attack in Israel to the end of the year alone. Deborah Peretz, from the Israel advocacy group Stand With Us, asked for learning related to current issues, in addition to Holocaust education. “The Jewish people are living through history right now…. There’s a 23-year-old,” she said, referring to Israeli American solider Omer Neutra, who was reported killed during the October 7 attack. “He’s dead but he’s in the Gaza tunnels right now. He’s from Plainview. It’s 30 minutes away.”

Rabbi Josh Gray from Temple Isaiah did not speak during the public comment portion, but said afterward that he had met with Scanlon that week and is grateful the district is being proactive. Speaking on what actions community members can take to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination he said, “the best thing to do is to speak up when something is said… Call out hate wherever we see it. Be an ally to marginalized communities, and don’t let it slide. I think if we all stick together and stick up for each other we can create a community of communities, which is the ultimate goal.”

The other matters discussed at the Board meeting included the questions of whether to arm school guards and whether to take money from the emergency reserves to fund the budget. “The district is bankrupt in the sense that we can’t make payroll,” said trustee Dr. David McKinnon, who added they are currently projected to lose about 80 employees. The proposed budget is set to be adopted on April 9 with the community vote on May 20.

Cold Spring Harbor students take polar plunge for marine rescue fundraiser

by William Stieglitz - April 3, 2025

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By William Stieglitz

Students from the Cold Spring Harbor Central School District plunged into the water at Lloyd Harbor Village Park Beach on March 29 to raise money for the New York Marine Rescue Center. This was the second CSH Polar Plunge to be hosted by the school’s marine biology club, which had been planning the event since September. The group, which has about 50 members and does volunteer beach cleanups, is led by science teacher Erin Oshan.

“We are a coastal town. The kids all live near the water, so they’re familiar with the water and the issues that face our marine life,” said Oshan, who teaches biology, marine biology and physics. She emphasized that habitat loss, pollution and microplastics can cause the biggest problems. “So there’s a bunch of kids that are passionate about trying to fix some of those issues.”

About two dozen students participated, consisting mostly of grades 8-12 as well as some elementary schoolers who came with their parents. It was a $20 donation to plunge, with people also able to donate through the purchase of sweatshirts, cookies and hot chocolate. Students described the water as “freezing,” though thankfully not as cold as it had been last time.

“We had a polar plunge here two years ago. It was in February, though, when there was snow,” said ninth grader Molly Yulico. “This one’s nice because it’s, like, 75 degrees out, so it’s pretty warm in the outside temperature.” Several students, after coming out of the water, decided to go back in.

“It was a great success,” said Cold Spring Harbor Superintendent Joe Monastero, who emphasized his pride in the students. “We get our kids down here to participate in an activity to help support marine life and our local ecosystem, and it really brings us together as a community.”

The NYMRC, which received all profits from the event, had an information table set up to explain the work they do in the rescue and protection of marine animals such as sea turtles, dolphins and whales. “We’re in seal season right now,” said intern Lex Reveal. He explained that seals can get stranded for many reasons, but it mostly results from human interaction and pollution.

“Whenever we see a seal that is in an area that’s not safe for it to be in, so in someone’s backyard, for example, we’ll relocate it. If it’s injured, whether that’s from an entanglement situation or it’s been hit by a boat or it’s just sick for any reason, we will come by. We will take it back to the rescue center. We will go through the whole treatment process and then we will release it back into the water when it is healthy again.”

In terms of preventative measures, Reveal said that the best solution is education. “To get out there, tell people why interaction is bad and hopefully try and prevent it in the future.” He explains that interactions such as trying to feed, talk to or take selfies with the seals can be dangerous, not just for the animals but for humans too, especially with some species like the gray seal weighing around 400 pounds.

Reveal encourages anyone who finds a stranded marine animal not to get near it, and instead call the rescue center’s 24-hour hotline at 631-369-9829.

Cold Spring Harbor students recognized for efforts at Long Island Science and Engineering Fair

by Press Release - March 30, 2025

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CSH LISEF1 — From left, Lloyd Harbor students William Morin, Kaden Weber and Anthony Sierecki earned first-place honors in the Middle School Division at the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair. Photo courtesy of Cold Spring Harbor Central School District.

Cold Spring Harbor students showcased their scientific talents at the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair, earning top honors in both the Middle School and JV Divisions.

Junior Matthew Reford and Sophomore Alexander Janczyk secured third place. Photo courtesy of Cold Spring Harbor Central School District

Sixth graders Will Morin, Anthony Sierecki and Kaden Weber from Lloyd Harbor earned first place in the Middle School Division for their project, “Examination of the Efficiency of Perovskite vs. Silicon Solar Cells at Varying Temperatures.” This impressive achievement places them among the top 10% of middle school science fair competitors nationwide.

As a result, they are eligible to compete in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, with a chance to travel to Washington, D.C., in October to compete for more than $100,000 in prizes, including the prestigious $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award. This marks the first time Cold Spring Harbor students have participated in the Middle School Division— a remarkable debut for the district.

Cold Spring Harbor Jr./Sr. High School students in the Advanced Science Research classes also delivered strong performances in the LISEF JV Division. Their research covered a range of scientific disciplines, from behavioral science to engineering. Among the honorees, junior Matthew Reford and Sophomore Alexander Janczyk secured third place for their project, “Piezoelectric Power: Exploring Temperatures Effect on Energy Output.”

Congratulations to Will, Anthony, Kaden, Matthew and Alexander for their outstanding achievements in STEM research!

Smithtown High School students hit the runway

by Press Release - March 29, 2025

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Smithtown High School East and West students dressed to impress at their individual PTSA Fashion Shows, held at Flowerfield in St. James.

On March 17, High School West seniors walked the runway with proceeds from the gala supporting senior scholarships and the school’s cultural arts programs.

The following night, juniors and seniors from Smithtown High School East participated in their annual PTSA/Leadership Dinner/Fashion Show, with proceeds also supporting the high school’s senior scholarships and cultural arts programs.

Students from Stony Brook School enter USA Mathematical Olympiad

by Sabrina Artusa - March 29, 2025

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By Sabrina Artusa

Three students from the Stony Brook School sat down on March 19 to take one of the most difficult mathematical exams for high school students in the country.

The exam could potentially make them eligible for the country’s olympic math team. After an exceptional performance in the American Mathematics Competitions, and the subsequent American Invitational Mathematics Examination, they moved on to the next round of exams, the USA Mathematical Olympiad. The simple fact of their progression is an accomplishment and proof of their skill as they join the ranks of America’s competitive student mathematicians.

Junior Joseph Jung and sophomores Sanchuan Feng and Junlin Wang participated in the AMC with 300,000 other students before progressing to the AIME, where they answer 15 questions in three hours.

Ten students from the SBS advanced to the AIME, placing them in the top 5% of AMC scorers; Jung and Feng were selected to continue to USAMO and Wang was selected to continue to the USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad. The SBS only had two students qualify for the USAMO in the past 18 years.

The AMC is a 25-question examination and consists of three levels: AMC 8, AMC 10 and AMC 12. The levels are based on grade level — a student, however, can choose to take an exam above their grade level, so they can take several. Level AMC 12 can be taken by any student in 12th grade or below; Feng, a sophomore, was admitted to the USAMO based on his performance in AMC 12, two grades above his own.

It isn’t rare for SBS students to qualify for the AIME; however, it is rare for a student to progress to the USAMO, “the third level in the competition ladder,” according to SBS Math Department Head Steve Stortz.

“I was thrilled and genuinely surprised,” Jung said, recalling his reaction to learning that he was chosen to continue. “It’s rewarding to see the hard work pay off, especially considering the high level of competition. Advancing further motivates me to continue learning and improving.”

“Their success is truly impressive,” said SBS Academic Dean Jeffrey Smith. “Scoring in the USAMO category means these three stood out among tens of thousands of students nationwide, landing in the top 250–300 or so. It’s a huge accomplishment that shows off their incredible problem-solving skills and mathematical creativity — stuff that goes way beyond typical high school math.”

While the SBS isn’t considered “specialized” in math, it has an advanced mathematics program that is rapidly evolving and expanding. In addition to advanced math classes such as linear algebra, advanced topics in math, and Advanced Placement calculus, the SBS is attempting to grow its math olympiad team and make it more “formal,” according to Stortz.

Stortz said that the advanced courses help enable students like Wang, Feng and Jung to reach their potential. In previous years, the highest level the school offered was AP calculus. Now, students can take linear algebra and multi linear calculus as part of Stony Brook University’s Accelerated College Education program.

“Here they are, high school students, and they are doing math that, if you were a math major and you were maybe in your junior year, you will reach some of these questions,” Stortz said.

The USAMO and USAJMO take place over two days: 4.5 hours one day and 4.5 hours the next. The nine-hour exam consists of only six questions. Stortz said that the students typically use all of the time.

Jung, the vice president of the math club, said that these competitions help fuel his passion for math. “Early recognition in competitions like the AMC 8 and various school honors further inspired my ongoing passion for math,” he said. “I think of math as a language: how people can communicate with each other through numbers and letters.”

Jung hopes to build upon his mathematical skill in a career in technology, “particularly in areas like space exploration or cryptography.”

Stony Brook University faculty members join ranks of elite scientists as AAAS Fellows

by Press Release - March 28, 2025

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0-5 — Professor Michael Bender. Photo by John Griffin/Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University’s Gordon T. Taylor, Katherine B. Aubrecht, and Michael A. Bender were recently named 2024 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellows.

The AAAS Fellows program was first established in 1874. To be considered as a Fellow, AAAS members must be nominated by the Steering Committee of their respective sections by three Fellows or the CEO of AAAS. Nominations are reviewed by the AAAS Council, which then votes on the nominations. To become an AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honor.

“This year’s class of Fellows are the embodiment of scientific excellence and service to our communities,” said Sudip S. Parikh, Ph.D., AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals. “At a time when the future of the scientific enterprise in the U.S. and around the world is uncertain, their work demonstrates the value of sustained investment in science and engineering.”

“I warmly congratulate our newest AAAS fellows for this well-deserved and impressive recognition of their work and its importance to society,” said Carl W. Lejuez, executive vice president and provost. “We are proud that over the years about a dozen of our current faculty have been named AAAS fellows in a broad range of fields, including political science, psychology, creative writing and math and of course marine science and chemistry. Honors like these underscore our flagship status and Stony Brook’s value to our region and our nation.”

As AAAS Fellows, Taylor, Aubrecht, and Bender join a class of 471 scientists, engineers, and innovators. Together, they make up the ranks of distinguished scientists, engineers, and innovators who have been recognized for their contributions in the areas of academia, research, and science communications. Notable AAAS Fellows include Maria Mitchell, Steven Chu, Ellen Ochoa, Irwin M. Jacobs, Alan Alda, Mae Jemison, and Ayanna Howard.

Taylor, Aubrecht, and Bender will be recognized for their achievements at the Fellows Forum on June 7, an event held during the AAAS Annual Meeting, where they will be presented with a certificate and a blue and gold rosette.

Gordon T. Taylor

Professor Gordon Taylor. Photo by John Griffin/Stony Brook University

Gordon T. Taylor is a professor in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. He also serves as head of SoMAS’ Marine Sciences Division and as director of the NAno-Raman Molecular Imaging Laboratory (NARMIL). His alma mater is University of Southern California, where he earned his PhD in 1983.

“I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Professor Taylor. “I am indebted to all my talented, hard-working students and colleagues who were so instrumental in the achievement of my scientific goals. My sincere gratitude to AAAS for this acknowledgement. It means a great deal to me to join the ranks of AAAS Fellows.”

Professor Taylor is being honored for his distinguished contributions to furthering understanding of microbial mediation of marine biogeochemical processes, ecological interactions among microorganisms in marine food webs, and technical advances in Raman microspectrophotometry.

Katherine B. Aubrecht

Katherine B. Aubrecht is an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences department of Chemistry and in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences division of Sustainability Studies. Her alma mater is Cornell University, where she earned her PhD in 1999.

“The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) works to advance science for the benefit of all by focusing on research, education, engagement with the public, and the use of science to inform policy,” said Professor Aubrecht. “I am grateful to be nominated and elected as an AAAS Fellow. I am also grateful for the opportunities at SBU for cross-disciplinary discussions and collaborations.”

Professor Aubrecht is being honored for her contributions to advancing chemistry education by incorporating green chemistry, sustainability, and systems thinking to foster more connected and relevant teaching and learning. She has worked with the American Chemical Society’s Green Chemistry Institute and Committee on Environment and Sustainability to further these objectives.

Michael A. Bender

Professor Michael Bender. Photo by John Griffin/Stony Brook University

Michael A. Bender is the John L. Hennessy Chaired Professor of Computer Science in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Department of Computer Science, where he runs the computer science honors program. He has won several awards, including an R&D 100 Award, a Test-of-Time Award, a Distinguished Paper Award, two Best Paper Awards, and five awards for graduate and undergraduate teaching. His alma mater is Harvard University, where he earned a PhD in 1998. Bender has also held Visiting Scientist positions at both MIT and Kings College London, and is a co-founder of the software company Tokutek, which was acquired by Percona in 2015.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as an AAAS Fellow,” said Professor Bender. “I’m especially grateful for the collaborative efforts of many brilliant students, colleagues, and industry partners who have contributed to advancing our field.”

Professor Bender is being honored for his distinguished contributions to the foundations of data structures and their applications.

Three Village school district addresses antisemitism

by Sabrina Artusa - March 26, 2025

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WardMelvilleHS-9-11Flags-17-9-11-17w-1 — File photo by Greg Catalano

By Sabrina Artusa

Three Village Central School District Superintendent Kevin Scanlon released a letter on March 21 informing families of incidents of antisemitism in the schools and assured them that the district is going to tackle the issue.

“There have recently been incidents of antisemitism in our schools,” the letter reads. “We believe that there is a larger issue occurring that we need to address.”

The letter suggests that a conglomeration of incidents is leading the district to initiate programs and curriculum changes: “Although some individuals may perceive these incidents as isolated, we cannot afford to take them lightly.”

Rabbi Aaron Benson of the North Shore Jewish Center said he has been in touch with some families whose children have been affected by antisemitism with Three Village middle schools. Benson said his understanding is that no major altercation occurred, but that on one or multiple occasions, students made an antisemitic remark that was heard by several other students, including Jewish students.

“As I understand it, the comments weren’t particularly directed at anybody but there were Jewish students present,” he said. “But also comments of that sort should not be tolerated regardless if a Jewish person is present.”

Rabbi Joshua Gray from Temple Isaiah emailed Scanlon after receiving the letter. Scanlon invited him to the school for a conversation, following through on the district’s commitment to “work together as a community” as written in the letter.

The conversation went “very well” according to Gray, and he left the meeting feeling assured that the district is addressing the issue with consideration and care.

“They are being very proactive,” he said. “It is good when people call it by its name and say it as it is.” Benson, too, was glad that the district acknowledged the issue and is taking an active role in combating hate speech.

“These are all the things I want them to be doing and I am thankful that they are,” he said. Benson, who has been an ordained rabbi for over 20 years, said he likes “to believe that there is just simple ignorance combined with perhaps a desire to be shocking or irreverent” but that there is “a stronger presence of antisemitic commentary that is out there and trickles down to kids.”

Both rabbis live in the district and have children. They said that they have noticed an uptick in antisemitism since Hamas attacked Israel Oct. 7, 2023.

Stefanie Werner, whose child attends a Three Village school, said that her child had experienced antisemitism over five years ago. Glad that the village acknowledged the issue, but upset that antisemitism is still present enough to warrant a letter, Werner called the letter “a double-edged sword.”

“I hate that it has gotten to this point,” she continued. “We’ve gotten this letter and we don’t exactly know what has happened.”

Werner said she would like to see more discussion integrated into the curriculum, a step Scanlon plans to take, according to the letter. Werner said that it is clear that preexisting programs, like assemblies, talks or electives, aren’t enough.

“We have to teach them that it is not okay,” she said. “They don’t see the line.”

Suffolk County Community College student Nina Kezys named to All-USA Academic Team

by Press Release - March 25, 2025

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Nina_Kezys_3 — Nina Kezys. Photo from SCCC

Suffolk County Community College has announced that Nina Kezys, a psychology major from East Northport, has been selected as one of 20 college students nationwide named to the prestigious 2025 All-USA Academic Team and has also been chosen as New York’s 2025 New Century Transfer Scholar. Ms. Kezys was chosen from among more than 2,000 nominees for each award. She will earn a $5,000 scholarship for the All-USA Academic Team honor, and an additional $2,250 scholarship as a New Century Transfer Scholar.

These awards recognize Ms. Kezys’s outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to community service. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning Dean’s List recognition for the past two semesters, she has demonstrated excellence both inside and outside the classroom. As Vice President of the Rotaract Community Service Club and Vice President of Membership for the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society, she has contributed significantly to the college community. Additionally, Kezys plays on the Women’s Soccer Team, serves as a Peer Mentor overseeing the Michael J. Grant Campus Food Pantry, and actively participates in the campus Honors and Psychology clubs

Ms. Kezys will receive her awards during the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) annual national convention taking place in Nashville in April.

Dr. Edward Bonahue, President of Suffolk County Community College, praised Kezys’s accomplishments, stating, “Nina’s dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service embodies the very best of Suffolk County Community College. Her commitment to making a difference on campus is truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and know she will continue to make a lasting impact everywhere she goes.

The All-USA Academic Team is among the nation’s premier academic honors for students pursuing an associate degree. Nominees must be able to demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement. Sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) national honor society, the program celebrates students who leverage their community college experience to better themselves, improve their schools, and positively impact their communities.

The New Century Transfer Scholar, is an honor given to only one student from each state. The program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, with support from Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

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