Sophomore Science Research Students Shine at Somers Science Fair

Twenty-three Ardsley High School Science Research sophomores proudly competed in their very first science research competition at the Somers Science Fair on Saturday, June 6.

The Somers Science Fair is a regional poster competition designed specifically for first-year science research students from high schools across Westchester and Putnam counties. For many young researchers, the fair serves as an important first opportunity to present their work beyond their own school community, speak with judges, explain their research process, and receive meaningful feedback as they continue developing their projects.

Ardsley’s sophomore researchers rose to the occasion with confidence, professionalism, and enthusiasm. After months of learning how to develop research questions, explore scientific literature, design projects, and communicate complex ideas, the students presented their work to judges and peers in a formal competition setting for the first time.

This year marked a record-breaking achievement for Ardsley’s Science Research Program, with more first-place winners than the program has seen at this competition in recent years. In total, 15 of Ardsley’s 23 emerging researchers earned awards, meaning approximately 65% of the team came home with recognition.

First Place Award Winners

• Clara Finkelstein — Medicine & Health

• Aarush Batra — Medicine & Health

• Serine Lee — Cellular & Molecular Biology

• Zaamil Rabbani — Cellular & Molecular Biology

• Naumika Naresh — Cellular & Molecular Biology

• Berk Sucu — Environmental Science

• Taiga To — Microbiology

• Ivana Bondarev — Behavioral Science