Four students in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s Advanced Science Research program were recognized as finalists at the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair on March 12, earning top placements across multiple categories.
Daniel Lin, a senior at John F. Kennedy High School, received second place in the Transitional Medical Science category for his project, “Liquid Lens-Based Automation of Accommodative Facility Testing in Myopia,” which explores new approaches to improving vision testing technology.
Also earning second place was Alexandra LaBella, a senior at Kennedy High School, in the Biomedical and Health Sciences category. Her project, “The Effects of Adolescent Isolation on Social Behavior and Neural Activity Utilizing Brain Tissue from TRAP2 Male Mice,” examines the neurological effects of social isolation.
Two additional students received honorable mention in the Animal Science category. Kyle Wasserman, a senior at Kennedy High School, was recognized for his project, “The Synergistic Effect of Spermidine and Urolithin A on Muscular Degeneration in a Drosophila melanogaster Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Model.”
Barbi Frank, the school’s Advanced Science Research teacher, praised the students’ efforts.
“These outstanding achievements reflect the dedication, curiosity and perseverance of our Advanced Science Research students,” Frank said.
Salvatore LoBrutto, a senior at Wellington C. Mepham High School, also earned honorable mention for his project, “Trabecular Bone Adaptation to Mechanical Stimuli in Proximal and Distal Regions of Canine Fabellae.” He is mentored by Advanced Science Research teacher Dr. David Kommor.
The Long Island Science and Engineering Fair is among the region’s most competitive academic events, showcasing original research from high school students across a wide range of scientific disciplines.
