This summer, Westhampton Beach High School junior Emma O’Came will be attending the prestigious Stony Brook Simons Summer Research Program. She is the second Westhampton Beach High School student to earn entry into the highly competitive program; only 4% of all applicants are accepted.

As part of the six-week program, O’Came will be working under the mentorship of Dr. Kathryn Gunn in the university’s department of biochemistry and cell biology.

O’Came said she is looking forward to the opportunity to work in a lab and learn more about the research process.

She became interested in research after attending the University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Research Academy last summer. “I found research is something I really enjoyed,” she said.

Since then, she enrolled in her school’s AP Research program and has studied the effects of UV light on infant clothing and the relationship between genes and cancer. 

“Emma is highly motivated, hardworking and bright. She is a student who will absolutely make the most of this incredible research opportunity, said science research teacher Dr. Dianna Gobler.

To earn her spot in the summer program, O’Came was required to participate in a highly selective application process that included her impressive academic record and recommendations from her teachers.

Apart from her research, O’Came serves as president and founder of her school’s new Science Club. She is also vice president of her school’s French Club and a member of her school’s varsity volleyball team. Outside of school, she is a lifeguard and member of the Westhampton Junior Ambulance. 

Date Added: 3/20/2025