Oceanside High School’s science research program is celebrating one of its most successful years to date, with students earning recognition at some of the region’s most competitive science competitions and advancing to prestigious state-level events.
The accomplishments span all grade levels, from freshmen competing in major science fairs for the first time to juniors conducting advanced biomedical research at leading universities and research institutions.
Leading the way were juniors Sabrina Zendaki and Suhaana Masud, who advanced to the semifinals of the New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF), one of the state’s most prestigious science competitions and a feeder event for the internationally renowned Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
Zendaki’s project, “Exploring LHCGR Intronic Enhancer Activity Through Luciferase Reporter Cloning,” focused on genetics and gene regulation. Conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Mone Zaidi at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the research examined how specific DNA regions can influence gene activity and potentially impact biological processes.
“It’s fascinating how something as small as a change in a single base pair can affect a person’s health or traits,” Zendaki said. “Being able to investigate those genetic factors was really exciting.”
Zendaki admitted she was surprised to advance to the semifinals, particularly while competing against students from schools with long-established research programs.
“Students from all over came together to be passionate about science,” she said. “Everyone had incredible projects, and it was inspiring to be part of that environment.”
Masud’s project, “Assessing Visible-Light Photocatalysis for Pharmaceutical Synthesis,” was conducted at CUNY Queens College under the guidance of nanoscientist Dr. Chen Wang. Her research evaluated environmentally friendly methods for manufacturing pharmaceutical compounds.
“There’s a growing demand for greener chemistry practices,” she said. “I wanted to explore whether these newer methods could be effective alternatives to current manufacturing processes.”
Masud credited her summer research experience and strong time-management skills for helping her balance laboratory work, Advanced Placement coursework and extracurricular activities.
“To be recognized alongside students from highly competitive programs is very rewarding,” she said. “It reassures me that I’m on the right path.”
The program also found success at the Long Island Science Congress, where three students placed in the Senior Division.
Zendaki also earned recognition for her genetics research, while senior Daniela Sanchez placed for her project, “Consequences of Aneuploidy with Drug Treatment in 3p and 8p Deleted Cells,” conducted at Columbia University under the mentorship of Dr. Alison Taylor.
Sanchez’s research focused on cancer biology, an area she hopes to pursue in college and beyond.
“Cancer research is such a large field with so many unanswered questions,” Sanchez said. “It’s incredible to see how a small genetic change can have such a significant impact on a person’s prognosis and treatment.”
Working at Columbia’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center provided exposure to graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and medical professionals from around the world.
“It was amazing to see the collaborative environment and all the resources available,” Sanchez said. “The experience really helped me grow as a researcher.”
Junior Arianna Shamin also earned Senior Division honors for her project, “Synthesis of 6-substituted isoquinoline-1(2H)-one derivatives as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors,” conducted at St. John’s University under the mentorship of Dr. Tanaji Talele.
Shamin’s research centered on developing compounds that could potentially contribute to cancer treatment. She said the project challenged her to master advanced chemistry concepts and laboratory techniques.
“Being recognized at the Science Congress showed me how much progress I’ve made,” she said. “When I first started reading research journals, I doubted whether I could understand them. Now I’m presenting my own research.”
The program’s younger students also made a strong impression; three sophomores earned awards at the SAAWA Science Fair.
Giada Prudente and Isabella Delgado placed in Behavioral Sciences for their project examining how Disney princess media influences adult expectations regarding work, education and relationships.
“The image of Disney princesses has always inspired me,” Delgado said. “They showed women that are hardworking and have aspiring traits, and we wanted to see if other people felt that they had the same effect on their life.”
The pair conducted surveys and analyzed how changing media representations may shape attitudes and expectations.
“We wanted to see whether the messages in older Disney movies differed from newer films and how those portrayals affected people later in life,” Prudente said.
Classmate Olivia Hellberg also earned recognition in Behavioral Sciences for her project on tipping culture and spending habits.
Hellberg’s research explored factors that influence tipping behavior and found that social expectations often play a greater role than the actual amount of money spent.
“I was interested in why people tip differently in different situations,” she said. “The results showed that tipping is a social norm.”
Freshmen Julia Brew and Aiden Flannory achieved another milestone by placing in the Junior Division of the Long Island Science Congress, marking the program’s first-ever entries in that division.
Brew’s project investigated how gravitational forces affect plant growth, while Flannory studied the impact of polyethylene microplastics on nitrate absorption in aquatic plants.
Both students conducted their research entirely in-house and competed against older students from across Long Island.
“It was really interesting to see students of all ages presenting research and applying science in different ways,” Brew said.
Flannory said his project was inspired by environmental concerns and previous experiences studying water quality.
“Microplastics are everywhere,” he said. “Learning how they affect ecosystems made me realize how important it is to continue researching solutions.”
For many students, the awards represent more than competition results. They reflect months of research, summer laboratory work, scientific writing and public presentations.
Sanchez said the recognition highlights the dedication of Oceanside’s young researchers.
“Students in research put in countless hours that many people never see,” she said. “It’s important that scientific achievements are celebrated just like accomplishments in athletics, music and the arts. These awards show the passion, commitment and hard work that students are putting into science.”
