Student scientists showcase original research

BOSTON – More than 350 Boston students presented their original individual and team science projects recently at the 63rd Annual Citywide Science Fair at Northeastern University. The students represented nearly 30 Boston Public Schools (BPS) middle and high schools.

The judges recognized projects in the categories of first, second, and third place and honorable mention in both the junior and senior divisions. The judges also awarded more than 50 special awards sponsored by local and national corporations, universities, and partners. A complete list of winners is attached.

Mayor Thomas M. Menino addressed the students and families and kicked off the awards ceremony.

“In areas as diverse as physics, biology, technology and chemistry, Boston students are demonstrating their accomplishments in the sciences,” said Mayor Menino. “We congratulate them on their success and wish them all the best in the next level of competition.”

Superintendent Carol R. Johnson joined the Mayor in acknowledging the students’ achievements.

“The analytical and critical thinking skills our students develop through devising, conducting and presenting the results of their science projects will help them throughout their lives, whether they pursue careers in academia, industry or another field,” said Dr. Johnson. “We are grateful to the teachers, parents and others for supporting students through this process and to the BPS staff and partner organizations who have worked hard to make this event possible.”

The top 40 projects in the high school division will go on to compete in the Massachusetts State High School Science & Engineering Fair at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) April 30 – May 2, while the top 40 projects in the middle school division will go on to compete in the Massachusetts State Middle School Science & Engineering Fair at Worcester Technical High School on June 6.

Additionally, Boston Latin School student Anartya Mandal of Brighton won a state-wide judge-off and will represent Massachusetts at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair in Reno, Nevada this May with his project “Curcumin Induces Apoptosis in Cancer Cells by Inhibiting NF-kB.” Three other BPS students will also travel to Reno to compete. Olivia Schwob of West Roxbury, a junior at Boston Latin School, will present “How Worms Learn,” and teammates Yunwei Sun of West Roxbury, a junior at Boston Latin School, and Moriah Smith of Dorchester, a senior at Boston Latin Academy, will present their project, “The Perivascular Niche of Melonoma Stem/Initiating Cell.”