Shoreham-Wading River High School students Anna Minetti and Julianna O'Neill were among the top 40% of participants in this year's New York State Science and Engineering Fair invited back after their Round 1 video submission to present in person for Round 2 at the New York Hall of Science.

The student scientists each presented data collected through the SPARK collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory. According to Science Research teacher Mrs. Dana Schaefer, Anna's project highlighted the use of lichens as bioindicators of microplastic types in the air. Julianna's project focused on characterizing the different types of microplastics and their associated heavy metals in tissue from the Eastern Mudsnail in a New York salt marsh.

Julianna’s project earned her the honor of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize, which automatically enters her into a competition for students “who have developed research projects that can help solve major water challenges.”

Date Added: 4/1/2025