In an impressive showing at the 2025 Connecticut STEM Fair, Staples High School (SHS) students demonstrated scientific talent, with multiple projects earning third place or higher. Under the mentorship of teacher Amy Parent, these researchers presented innovative work across multiple categories at the virtual event held February 1, 2025.

In the completed projects division, William Boberski captured first place in the Health and Medical Science Category for his research on diet composition's effects on lifespan and colorectal cancer progression using the Drosophila midgut model.

The research proposals division saw equally remarkable achievements. In the Health and Medical Science Category, Alexis Krenzer earned first place for her proposal studying curcumin's potential role in epidermal growth factor driven cancers using C. elegans, while Ezra Schwartz secured third place for his proposal on improving glenoid labral tear diagnosis through deep learning applications.

 

 

The Environmental Category showcased Staples talent as well. Jonathan Dobin-Smith claimed first place for his proposal on mitigating CO2 emissions through bio concrete development using Cupriavidus necator. William Kwong tied for second place with his research on using curcumin to protect against microplastic damage in C. elegans, while Kendra Chen presented compelling research on generating biofuels from local Connecticut microalgae using bicarbonate as a carbon source.

The Connecticut STEM Fair, celebrating over two decades of promoting scientific excellence since its founding in 2001, continues to be a cornerstone event for aspiring scientists. This year's virtual format, conducted via Zoom, maintains the fair's tradition of comprehensive interactive judging across four scientific categories: health, physical, environmental, and behavioral sciences, evaluating both completed projects and research proposals.

These achievements by SHS students are particularly noteworthy given the fair's scope and prestige, typically featuring more than 250 student researchers and an equal number of judges from various science and technology professions. Their success not only reflects individual dedication but also highlights SHS's commitment to fostering the next generation of scientific innovators.

We congratulate all participants and their mentor, Amy Parent, for upholding SHS's tradition of excellence in scientific research and innovation.