NewRoFoundation

In Science Research, students find mentors in colleges, universities or science-oriented companies to guide them in a research project they execute on their own. The NRHS program has been growing and earning more awards in recent years.

 

This is the first time any of the program’s students made it to ISEF.

 

“We are incredibly proud of the Science Research Program and the amazing things the students have accomplished,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero. “From winning numerous awards to having research published in an international journal, and now making it to the apex of contests, the students and Mr. Wuebber are bringing immense pride to the entire New Rochelle community.”

 

WESEF President Michael Blueglass said it has been gratifying to watch the New Rochelle Science Research Program grow into a force to be reckoned with in regional and even international competitions.

 

“It has been so rewarding to see the New Rochelle Science Research Program finally grow to the level it deserves under the guidance of Jeff Wuebber,” Blueglass said. “The numerous, talented, intelligent students of the New Rochelle program under Mr. Wuebber’s guidance have now risen to the top echelon in one of the most competitive regions in the country.”

 

The first-place winners’ projects touched on cancer research, COVID-era stress and perceptions of men and women in medicine. McMorris took first place in behavioral science for her research that sought – and found – specific predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that are influenced by the stress of the COVID-19 era.

 

“Maybe we can get to the point where we can avoid PTSD from developing in its entirety,” she said. “If we can find these individuals sooner, then we can treat them early on.”

 

Cao also won first place in behavioral science – categories can have more than one winner depending on how many students enter – for her analysis of more than 3,000 data points weighing whether patients’ online reviews of physicians showed a gender bias. She found that while male doctors receive more reviews than female doctors, there was no difference in the perception of the doctors’ abilities.

 

“In terms of the content, such as the physician’s ability to answer questions, and the skill-based categories, there was no difference,” she said.

 

Balachandran’s research helped identify types of cancer that might respond well to a specific form of treatment alternative to chemotherapy and radiation. She won first place in the Medicine and Health category for her analysis of data identifying three types of cancer in which the cancerous tissue showed a higher prevalence of a specific protein targeted by the alternative treatment.

 

As the three prepare for the international contest, Wuebber said he will call on scientists in the New Rochelle community help with another practice night, like the one held via Zoom on March 4, but with higher stakes. The WESEF winners were still basking in the thrill of having made it to ISEF. Cao noted that the students excelled in a competition made more challenging because of the unusual situation.

 

“We were able to push past the technical difficulties and have a really successful week,” she said. “It definitely shows the perseverance of our program and the passion of the students – and of Mr. Wuebber, of course!”

 

Balachandran said she was eager to keep moving forward. “I’m just grateful,” she said. “I’m really excited to continue my research with the other two amazing students that I am moving on with.”