H-ton Captures Trophies in Nassau Science Contest
The Huntington High School science research program's string of outstanding competitive performances continued at the annual Nassau Community College science and arts contest.
Huntington students participating in the competition included Jason Stickell, Jack Kitzen, Sabrina Palacios, Max Kaplan, Scott Venturino, James Sosa, Brandon May, Alex Ulloa, Eric Sze, Rickey Hermer-Fried, Jacob Roday, Megan Hansen and Amber Lindner.
Mr. Stickell earned second place in the freshman division. "Jason did a study using electromagnetic radiation to observe its effects on the sense of direction and navigation in mice," said Lori Kenny, a Huntington science teacher who heads the school's research program.
The EMPs have the ability to drastically change the layout of the mice's natural electric frequency, possibly preventing the exposed mice from moving in their desired direction. However, Mr. Stickell found there to be no difference in the movement patterns of the mice.
Mr. Sze, a junior, won third place for his work on the construction of a mini hydroelectric generator to be used in private residential areas to save money and lessen the ecological footprint humans have on the Earth.
The senior team of Megan Hansen and Amber Lindner won first place honors for their exploration of the use of activated carbon as a method to control the harmful effects of toxic isothiocyanate chemicals released by the invasive plant Alliaria petiolata, commonly known as garlic mustard.
Through its roots, garlic mustard releases soil-bound toxins, which then inhibit mutualistic relationships between other plants and their mycorrhizae. The results showed that adding 3 mg of activated carbon to 60g of toxin-ridden soil most successfully nullified the effects of the toxins on Alaska peas grown within that soil.for their work on combating an invasive plant species on Long Island.
Mrs. Kenny and department colleague Dame Forbes have been bringing Huntington's science research program to new heights. Dozens of students are involved in the school day program and after-school research club.
The Huntington science research students participating in the Nassau Community College competition came prepared to enthusiastically discuss their work in intricate detail.
"Each of these projects represents the hard work and dedication of each of the student scientists who have such passion for their topics," Mrs. Kenny said. "I am proud each year to work with these students, as is Mrs. Forbes."