Two Westhampton Beach High School seniors have been accepted into the prestigious Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists Big Data Science Program at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where they will gain hands-on experience conducting research involving artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Matthew Hernandez and Annabelle Najdzion earned spots in the highly competitive summer program through a rigorous application process that included essays, recommendations from STEM educators and evidence of strong academic achievement in science and mathematics.
Both students said they are looking forward to working alongside mentors and fellow students at BNL to build skills that will support their future studies and careers.
“I hope to develop my research skills, network with peers and mentors and gain the tools necessary to succeed in the evolving world of artificial intelligence and machine learning,” Hernandez said. “My goal in the future is to become a machine learning or quantum computing researcher, so this program is a perfect opportunity for me.”
Hernandez, who will attend Stony Brook University as a University Scholar this fall, plans to major in applied mathematics and statistics while also pursuing computer science. He said his interest in artificial intelligence and machine learning inspired him to apply for the program. He has also been developing an independent coding project in Python that uses applied mathematics to analyze how lap times can be optimized in Formula One and other motorsport series.
Najdzion said the BNL program will help her to further strengthen her research skills and explore how artificial intelligence can be used in scientific and policy research. “I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how AI can support and enhance scientific research,” she said. “I also want to apply the skills I learn through this program to continue my own research on sustainable uses of AI and how those practices can be implemented through policy.” She is currently conducting research on the detrimental impacts of AI data centers on electricity and water usage.
Najdzion will be attending Fordham University in the fall on a full merit scholarship, where she plans to double major in international studies and environmental studies while pursuing a minor in peace and justice studies on the pre-law track.
In addition to their interests and research related to AI, both seniors have built impressive resumes during their time at Westhampton Beach High School through leadership and participation in numerous extracurricular activities.
Hernandez has been actively involved in Science Olympiad, Seascapes Literary Magazine and outdoor track. Among his accomplishments, he has earned the Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology, an AP Scholar with Distinction recognition, the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Award and two Science Olympiad medals during the Eastern Long Island Regional competition.
Najdzion has been involved in Science Club, Science Olympiad and the school’s inaugural Model UN program. She also participates in Youth and Government, through which she has helped draft and present legislation regulating water usage for AI data centers in New York State. Additionally, she serves as chair of the Leadership Committee for the Southampton Youth Advisory Council and represented the Southampton Youth Bureau at the Association of New York State Youth Bureaus Youth Leadership Forum. Her academic achievements include earning three Eastern Long Island Science Olympiad medals, an AP Capstone Diploma, an AP Scholar with Distinction recognition and membership in the National, Math, Science and World Language honor societies. She also serves as her class historian.