Due to her hard work and impressive science skills, Westhampton Beach High School senior Jessica Curran has advanced to the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair after taking first place in the plant sciences category of the New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF). She is one of only 14 students from across the state to earn a spot through NYSSEF and the second Westhampton Beach High School student to accomplish the feat. She will compete in Los Angeles in May.

Making it to ISEF is like the Olympics of high school science research,” said Dr. Dianna Gobler, science research teacher. “Jessica has worked very hard every single day to get to this point and I am incredibly proud of her.

Curran earned her spot after a 15-minute presentation on her science research project that explores seaweed as fertilizer. It is the same project that earned her a perfect score on her AP Research exam.

“It is very validating,” said Curran of her first-place recognition. “It shows that all my hard work paid off.”

In addition to Curran earning first place, senior Meghan Kelly took third place in the biomedical sciences category for her research project that investigates bacteria and antibiotics. Her research project also earned her a perfect score on her AP Research exam.

Curran and Kelly were two of 700 students who competed in the New York State Science and Engineering Fair. Only 20% of all student entries are invited to compete.

“It was exciting to go and see all of the projects and to have placed,” said Kelly.

Curran and Kelly are their school’s salutatorian and valedictorian, respectively. Curran is also a Regeneron Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program and vice president of her school’s National Honor Society. In addition, she serves as vice president of her school’s Environmental Cure Club, vice president of the robotics team and captain of Quiz Bowl. Outside of school, she volunteers with the Westhampton Junior Ambulance and is a Girl Scout who earned her Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. She will be attending Princeton University to study environmental engineering.

Kelly is a member of her school’s National, Math and Science honor societies, was named a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program and is an AP Scholar with Distinction. She is also a semifinalist in the Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium. When not studying, Kelly is an active member of her school’s varsity track team, pep band, Spanish Club and Interact Club. She is also a volunteer member of the Westhampton Junior Ambulance. She plans to study biochemistry at Duke University in the fall.


Date Added: 4/3/2024