The students of science

Oceanside High School students Blake Smith and Yael Weiss — both of whom recently entered science competitions — are described as two “amazing young people” who make the jobs of their science researchers teachers a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

“They’re the great gifts of the research program,” said Science Research teacher Lisa Mehr of her students. Mehr, along with Science Research coordinator Heather Hall, oversee the science research program at the high school.

“Long Island is one of the most competitive science research areas in the country,” said Hall. “We have the privilege of working with some of the best students.”

Smith, a 16-year-old junior, was selected as a finalist for the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair (LISEF). He will be advancing to the international round in Los Angeles, Calif., where he will compete against the remaining research finalists for a chance to win the competition. In total, 24 projects were selected from Long Island.

“I didn’t think it was going to happen,” said Smith, who previously attended School 9 and Oceanside Middle School. “I was ecstatic. It’s exciting to know that I’ll be going away.”

Smith conducted a research project on pancreatic cancer. He studied the genes involved in cancer cells — primarily KLF6, a tumor suppressor. His research focused on suppressing genes that can lead to the cancer, and his goal was to reverse the mutative processes as a potential cure for the deadly disease.

His fellow classmate, Weiss, studied Diamondback Terrapins, an endangered turtle species that inhabits fresh water in North America. She entered the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, and was recently selected as a semifinalist.

Her project studied the resources that contribute to the survival of Terrapins, along with the environmental and global factors that have caused a decrease in their population. “I’ve always wanted to save a species,” said Weiss, 17, who previously attended School 3 and OMS. “I’m was excited to get the chance to raise some awareness.”

Weiss, a senior, will graduate with her fellow students in June, but she doesn’t know where she’ll attend college in the fall. She has considered Hofstra and Stonybrook Universities, and will keep her options open.

However, she’s certain she will major in Marine Biology wherever she enrolls. Weiss said she always wanted to be involved in environmental sciences.

Smith, on the other hand, will likely major in pre-medicine once he enrolls in college next year. He wants to apply to the University of Pennsylvania, and is seeking to major as a researcher or a physician.

“We always get to explore new areas with them…” added Mehr. “It’s a learning experience for us too.”