On Monday, April 28th, Mamaroneck High School hosted its annual Original Science Research (OSR) Symposium, transforming the first floor of Post into a vibrant hub of innovation and student-led discovery. Rows of trifold boards, eager student presenters, and curious guests filled the space as sophomores, juniors, and seniors showcased their weeks–and in some cases months–worth of research. From studying the impacts of climate change to modeling disease progression using AI, the projects on display this year demonstrated the creativity and rigor of the school’s Original Science Research program.

The OSR Symposium, a long-standing MHS tradition, gives students in the four-year research program a platform to share their work with their peers as well as the broader Larchmont-Mamaroneck community. Upperclassmen presented either their proposed, in-progress, or completed research. On the other hand, freshmen–who are still in their introductory year–attended the symposium as observers. Their task: to complete a reflective assignment to prepare for their own research journey for the years to come. 

According to OSR teacher Guido Garbarino, the symposium serves not only as a showcase but as an opportunity for outreach. “The OSR symposium is an outreach event designed to share the achievements of the OSR program with the school community,” Garbarino explained. “By having all of the students in one place, people can observe the scope of the program and appreciate how many students it serves.” With nearly 100 students in grades 10-12 participating, the event gives presenters the unique challenge of explaining their work to a mixed audience–from middle schoolers to doctors. 

This year’s symposium featured many projects and proposed research spanning topics including neuroscience, biology, environmental science, medicine and health, behavioral science, and more. 

Each project reflected countless hours of data collection, analysis, and writing that most students started over the summer. 

Students gave their six-minute presentations with depth and confidence, eagerly answering questions from their viewers. For many, the symposium was a collection of all of their hard work, while for others, it was a stepping stone towards competitions like the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF), where many OSR students have already made their mark.

The OSR symposium not only highlights the academic excellence at MHS but it also commemorates the curiosity, perseverance, and critical thinking present in the students. It is more than just a showcase; it is a testament to what students in the OSR program can accomplish when given the tools, mentorship, and freedom to explore the scientific questions that matter most to them.