Kennedy Boasts Three Intel Semifinalists

This year Kennedy High School was one of 10 Long Island schools with three or more Intel semifinalists. Daniel Bornstein, Barri Bruno and Stephanie Weiner were selected from a pool of over 1,700 Intel Science Talent Search 2010 applicants.

"We believe that fostering a passion for math and science in today's youth is imperative for America's future success as a leader in innovation," said Shelly Esque, vice president of Intel's Corporate Affairs Group. "The 300 Intel Science Talent Search semifinalists recognized today exemplify what is possible when young people are encouraged to apply math and science to solving today's most challenging problems."

"Each year we continue to be impressed by the caliber of the semifinalists and inspired by their mastery of math and science in addressing extraordinarily complex medical, technological and environmental challenges," added Elizabeth Marincola, president of Society for Science & the Public.

Since 1942, first in partnership with Westinghouse and beginning in 1998 with Intel, Society for Science and Science & the Public (SSP) has provided a national stage for America's best and brightest young scientists to present original research to nationally recognized professional scientists. From this select pool of semifinalists, 40 finalists of the 2010 Intel STS will be announced at 4 p.m. on Jan. 27. Those students head to Washington, D.C. from March 11-16, to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists, and compete for the top award of $100,000.

"We also wish to recognize the Advanced Science Research teachers at Kennedy High School, Mrs. Frank, Mrs. Franklin and Mr. Schleith," Administrative Assistant for Community Relations and Grants Michelle Gagnon. "Their hard work and dedication to the ASR program has helped to bring out the best in our student scientists."

The Kennedy students' projects included:

Daniel Bornstein - Brookhaven National Laboratories

An Analysis of Photosynthesis in Poplar Inoculated with Endophytic Bacteria

Barri Bruno - The Autism Family International, Plainview

An Exploratory Study on the Effect of Music on Linguistic Productivity in Low Functioning Children with Autism

Stephanie Weiner - Columbia University Graduate School of Business

The Influence of Social Network Position On Preference Convergence