Elmont scholar accepted to every Ivy League school

Augusta is the first student in Elmont High’s history to be named an Intel finalist. She is pictured above with, from left, science research advisers David Spinnato and Michelle Flannery and Principal Kevin Dougherty.

Steve Smirti/Herald

Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna has accomplished something that is near impossible. She was accepted to all eight Ivy League schools for the 2016/2017 school year. She was a 2016 National Intel Science Research Finalist and the valedictorian of Elmont High School.

She is the first student from Elmont to make it to the final round of the competition. She presented her research in front of experts in Washington D.C. in March.

"Of all the students that we’ve had, I think Augusta has been the most successful in the most wide spectrum of things that she’s done,” Elmont High School teacher David Spinnato told the Herald back in January. “We’ve had a lot of researchers that are really great at science research, and that’s where they’re going, but Augusta has a very broad range of interests, and nobody’s surprised that she’s a finalist.”

As the class valedictorian, Augusta earned a 101.64-weighted grade-point average and besides her work in science research is also actively involved in the Future Business Leaders of America program.

Her project that earned her an expense paid trip to the nation’s capital was titled “Rheological Characterization of Attapulgite Nanoclay Modified Cement Slurries for Oil Well Applications.” In it, she analyzed oil well samples — specifically from the wells BP used — and devised ways to strengthen the cement used to contain the wells.

The quest to find new ways to fortify cement led Augusta to Dr. Shiho Kawashima, assistant professor of civil engineering and engineering mechanics at Columbia University. Last summer, Augusta worked in the lab with Kawashima.

"I am humbled by all of the college acceptance letters that I recently received,” Augusta said in a statement. “I am reminded that I have a responsibility to be a role model for others and use my experiences to encourage and inspire others, especially young women.”

Elmont High School has become used to producing top-flight scholars. Last year, valedictorian Harold Ekeh, was accepted to all eight ivy-league schools as well and was an Intel Science Research semi-finalist.

“My parents have always taught me the value of hard work and I am very thankful for that,” Augusta said. “My teachers at Elmont Memorial have also played a major role in my development…my recent accomplishments reflect the hardworking ideals of the town of Elmont, my supportive parents and my dedicated teachers. I am elated but most importantly I am thankful."