Meet Huntington’s Science Research Stars

The science research program at Huntington High School is one of the crown jewels of the district. Students enrolled in one of the research classes are among the hardest working and creative that can be found anywhere. They are all striving to achieve goals that are set at a breathtaking height.

“Science research is a class that enables you to broaden your interests and teaches you skills that can be utilized inside and out of classroom settings,” one of the class members said. Students start their first year in an introductory level class, where they learn the fundamental skills associated with conducting research.

Students learn how to locate articles, reports and analyses detailing scientific studies, trials and experiments related to their own research topics. The teenagers also learn how to properly annotate and apply knowledge from such articles; how to write papers and lab reports and how to go about presenting confidently before an audience. Finally, program participants gain the skills required to conduct statistical analysis along with the personal skills of precision of work, teamwork, critical thinking, confidence and communication in an academic environment.

“Through our science research program students will learn how to design and conduct an original research project,” states a program overview. “The course is structured so that students learn research methodologies through literature reviews and laboratory experiences. We offer an exemplary learning experience that enhances the student’s knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, which empowers them as contributing members of both our school community and our greater society.”

Students taking the science research class typically participate in the Long Island Science Congress competition and later move on to more advanced and specialized contests such as the LI Science & Engineering Fair, Presidential AI Scholars Challenge and Regeneron Science Talent Search.

Advanced Science Research students often engage in summer research to qualify for the more prestigious competitions. “Summer research is a very valuable learning experience,” a program participant said. “It entails reaching out to a college professor or a professional in the field of your topic of interest. By doing so, research students develop the ability to communicate and connect with mentors, professors, college students, and gain lab experience, enriching their intellectual and scientific journey.”

Here are some comments from some of the stars of the science research program:

Claire Parks: “As a senior who has now been taking this class since freshman year, I’ve learned and accomplished a lot. I’ve won NASA Earth Systems Award ’25; 4th Place Microbiology Division LISEF ’25; LISC Achievement Award ’24; LISC Merit Award ‘23. I intend on competing in LISEF for the second year in a row and competing in the Presidential AI Challenge for the first time. My research focused on optimizing traffic flow in suburban areas using artificial intelligence enhanced traffic light control.”

Rachel Huth: “Last year, I won High Honors at LISC for my project about carbon dioxide and eutrophication. This year, I am entering the Regeneron Science Talent Search and LISEF with a carbon capture and utilization device. Science Research has helped me grow as a student by allowing me to research topics that are extremely interesting to me and has taught me valuable research and organizational skills.”

Jordana Boxer: “I will be looking at ways redesigning tractor tires can help reduce soil compaction by changing the tire designs and properties. I have been researching soil and agriculture since my freshman year. I have competed in LISC three times and this year I plan on competing in LISEF.”

Erika Hernandez Veliz: “I’ve been in Science Research since freshman year. I started with a plant growth project, then studied cleansers and bacteria and later worked on pinto beans in different soils. This year, my project focuses on dandruff and UV radiation. I have competed in LISC throughout the years. Over time, this class has helped me grow by teaching me how to think critically, test ideas through experiments, and keep improving my work as a student. It also develops my creativity and ability to work with others to create a project beyond the classroom.”

Midred Hernandez Veliz: “I’ve been in Science Research for four years and I love this class and the people in it. I started with projects on plant and bacteria growth and over time have explored different topics while learning to work with others. This year, I’m excited for my project and the competition, and this class has helped me grow as a student by teaching me to work hard, stay motivated, think critically and explore my passions.”

Cecilena Monge Moreira: “In my last couple years in the program, I have looked at a variety of different things. Researching everything from flooding and bacteria to most recently researching the Demographic Effect on Food Accessibility here in Huntington. However, this year I plan to research the effects of UV- radiation on dandruff. I worked with a professor from Stony Brook University over the summer who helped me do research on UV-radiation and I hope to carry on my knowledge from over the summer into this project. In all, I hope to bring this project to a LISEF competition and conclude my final year in the science research program here at Huntington in a positive way.”