Hastings students showcase research; teacher proposes 3‑year science research course for SUNY credit

Hastings High School science research students presented summaries of senior projects at the Board of Education meeting, highlighting regional and national competitions and a proposal from the teacher to expand the program.

Melissa Shandroff, the district's science research teacher and department chair, outlined the two‑year course she launched in 2007 and described steady enrollment growth. She said the program has produced local, state and national recognition — including students who advanced in the Regeneron Science Talent Search and who will compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair — and proposed a three‑year course that could offer SUNY Albany credit if the district can provide the necessary full‑time equivalent staffing. "I would love to move to a 3 year science research course," she said, noting personnel costs would be the primary constraint.

Student presenters summarized their methods and findings. Shira Oppenheimer presented a Hudson River water quality study based on 77 samples collected with Riverkeeper data and reported, "there was no significance found between any economic variable and water quality," while noting locations nearer treatment plants showed worse water quality and recommending stronger regulation and awareness for affected residents.

Miles Hamilton described extending oceanic oxygen isotope records and reported a correlation between foraminifera biomass (coarse fraction) and temperature with an approximately 19,000‑year offset, suggesting biomass could be used as an additional paleotemperature proxy.

Ainsley Zamor presented long‑term soil experiments investigating the combined effects of warming and nitrogen fertilization; she said that after 16 years, nitrogen increased decomposition rates — a finding she flagged as relevant for land managers and gardeners. Ainsley also announced a $50,000 Bloomberg grant that will be administered as microgrants ($1,000–$5,000) for student sustainability projects and encouraged eligible students to apply.

Justin presented cellular and organoid research on the STING immune pathway in early fallopian‑tube lesions; he said his organoid experiments indicate STING loss can allow malignant progression and discussed possible implications for biomarker or therapeutic development.

Board members and attendees praised the students' work and the program's role in developing research skills and communication. The district highlighted upcoming competitions (Westchester science fair on June 1 and ISEF/Regeneron delegations) and noted mentor and lab partnerships that supported the students' work.