Sabrina Palacios Paces HHS JV Research Team at NYSSEF
Sophomore Sabrina Palacios paced Huntington High School’s junior varsity research team at this year’s New York State Science & Engineering Fair’s Andromeda division competition at Robert Frost Middle School in Deer Park.
Ms. Palacios won third place in the environmental sciences category for her exceptional research project. “This is a major stepping stone that propels her towards building a Siemen’s and Intel project in the coming years,” said teacher Lori Kenny, who heads Huntington’s science research program. “She continually reflects on her work and enhances her research. She is a joy to work with and it has been great to see such talent and dedication from a young student scientist.”
Huntington sophomore Nina Cartwright and the research partnership team of junior Thomas Kouttron and senior Hector Rubio also turned in fine performances at the NYSSEF Andromeda division competition.
Ms. Palacios picked up her third place trophy at NYSSEF’s annual Andromeda awards ceremony last week at Jericho High School.
Abstract of Sabrina Palacios’ research project
“The rising occurrence of Poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) is becoming a major problem in coastal communities and ecosystems. Many fish at the top of the food chain have been resulting in bioaccummulation of these substances. Of these many fish, striped bass (Morone Saxatilis) have been the most concerning of all species. Striped bass in the local Long Island area have been found with large amounts of these chemicals in their systems, which just raises need to be cautious of the amount certain demographics are consuming, especially pregnant women and children. The purpose of this project is to determine whether a highly poisonous pollutant can be found in local striped bass samples.”
Abstract of Nina Cartwright’s research project
“The cicada wings of Psaltoda claripennis have been found to possess a bactericidal wing structure against an array of gram negative bacteria. On the other hand, a wide range of cicada species has not yet been tested to discover the range of this extraordinary ability to maintain a sterile environment by physical means. Ayuthia spectabilis was examined for its similar wing structure and morphology to that of the Clanger cicada. The bactericidal activity of this species was tested using both a gram negative and a gram positive cell type bacteria. Specifically, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis were cultured in nutrient plates of agar at 37 degrees Celsius until significant colonies were found in the plates. The cicada wings were then introduced to the plates in a way that would cover all surface area of the agar plates. After 24 hours the samples were examined and the number of colonies was then counted again to discover the effects of the wing structure of the cicada on the growth of bacterial colonies.”
Abstract of Thomas Kouttron’s and Hector Rubio’s research project
“Traction on multiple ground surfaces is very important for drivers and vehicle operators. Tire chains and tire studs are very useful for gaining traction on different ground surfaces. Tire chains provide an extra source of traction by incorporating studded chain in a web pattern that mounts directly to tires, providing extra grip on slippery and uneven surfaces. Tire studs are also used in similar situations to gain traction when ballast weight is not enough. Tire chains are used commonly on snow and icy conditions; however, they may be useful on rock, in mud, and on gravel. The addition of the extra tire chains and/or tire studs, around the circumference of the tire, can aid in gaining traction on extremely uneven and slippery surfaces. Despite the fact that tire chains are somewhat outdated, they are still very useful for gaining traction in slippery conditions. Experimentation should prove how effective tire chains and studs are at gaining traction on mud, ice, gravel, snow, sand, and rock using traction formulas and by making tests on these different surfaces.”