Thursday, October 1, 2026
Hewlett High School senior Benjamin Zelikoff was named one of the top nine student presenters at the Virtual 2025 High School Students Research Symposium last month.
Sponsored by the American Chemical Society, the symposium is a virtual event that recognizes excellence in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, research. Held on Nov. 22, it featured top high school researchers from the New York and Southern California sections of the American Chemical Society.
Zelikoff, 17, was recognized for his research on modifying nanocrystals for multiple functions, highlighting his innovation and scientific rigor.
He has been a member of Hewlett High’s Science Research program since ninth grade. “I’ve always had a bit of an interest in science,” he said. “I was always passionate since I was a kid. I was always on the path to science, and hearing that there’s a prestigious science research program was one of the biggest parts for me.”
Over the summer, Zelikoff worked at New York University’s structural DNA nanotechnology lab, where he focused on using DNA as a building block to create larger structures.
“One of the structures is called the ‘tensegrity triangle,’ which is seven strands of DNA that will come together to make a crystal that appears under a microscope like a rhombus,” Zelikoff explained. “Given that technology is a revolutionary field, having programmable DNA that we can use for countless things could theoretically be used with many biological applications.”
Terrence Bissoondial, the research program coordinator at Hewlett High, entered Zelikoff in the symposium. He made a 15-minute online presentation, and answered questions about his work.
A few days later, he recounted, he was informed that he was being considered for recognition as one of the top presenters. “I was ecstatic, and very thankful for the opportunity to present my research in general,” Zelikoff said. “Hearing that I was being honored is a bonus on top of it.”
He loves research, he said, and was glad to present it so others can see the value of what he does.
“Since I entered the Science Research program, Dr. Bissoondial has been the lead chief instructor on everything science research,” Zelikoff added. “He taught me how to use all these various biotechnical techniques I wouldn’t have been able to use otherwise. He’s been a constant supporting force on all the projects I’ve worked on, and encouraging us to be the best researchers we can be.”
Bissoondial has taught in the Hewlett-Woodmere district for 25 years and coordinated the Science Research program for 20.
“I was very surprised, because Southern California is a very competitive area, and only three students from the New York area were picked out of 10,” he said. “It was quite amazing to be one of the three selected from the New York area.”
Bissoondial said that in the four years he has worked with Zelikoff, he has had many different interests. As a sophomore, Zelikoff was a state finalist for his research on silver toxicity in plants.
“In the earlier years, he showed that he had a lot of potential,” Bissoondial said. “Although he did environmental/biological, he also does a lot with robotics.”
Zelikoff is president of the high school’s Robotics Club, and spends a good deal of time tinkering with the machines.
“One of the good things about this lab is that it combined engineering as well as chemistry and biology,” Bissoondial said. “This was a wonderful opportunity for him to combine all of his interests into one thing. The product, with such zeal and passion, is very well detailed, and (it’s) a wonderful accomplishment to be able to modify an existing crystal.”
Zelikoff’s academic adviser, Brian Bonanno, said he believes Zelikoff’s accomplishment highlights not only the quality of his work, but also the depth of his commitment to the research program.
“Being honored at the Science Research Symposium is a significant achievement,” Bonanno wrote in an email. “Especially for a student with Ben’s aspirations. Highly selective colleges look for evidence of intellectual curiosity, persistence, and the ability to engage meaningfully in sustained research — all qualities this honor reflects.”
Bonanno said that Zelikoff stands out as a learner, and approaches complex questions with patience and focus.
“This recognition is a testament to the hours he has invested, the initiative he’s shown, and the thoughtful way he tackles challenges,” Bonanno added. “From my perspective, it captures the best of who he is as a student: disciplined, inquisitive, and quietly driven.”
