On Saturday, March 13, 50 students from Mamaroneck High School’s Original Science Research (OSR) program presented their work at the Regeneron Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF). Competing against nearly 800 students from across the county, Mamaroneck participants earned multiple awards, with one student advancing to the international level.
WESEF is one of the most competitive regional science fairs in New York, and it serves as a qualifier for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college science competition, bringing together top student researchers from more than 80 countries. This year, ISEF will take place in Phoenix, Arizona from May 9 to May 15.
One Mamaroneck student, Harper Morgan (’27), earned first place in Engineering and ranked among the top 20 students overall at WESEF, qualifying him for ISEF. Morgan also received the New York Invents Award and will present his work at the New York Invention Convention in Albany on May 2.
Several other Mamaroneck students also achieved awards. Mustafa Khan (’26) earned first place in Computer Science, while multiple students earned second place across many different categories, including Sahil Gupta (’26) in Environmental Science, Ian Soto (’26) in Mathematics, Maria (Mika) Torres Aguilera (’26) in Medicine and Health, Kate McCance (’27) in Behavioral Science, and Micah Robins (’27) in Physics and Astronomy. Some additional accolades include Emma Moskowitz (’27), who placed third in Neuroscience and received the George D. Yancopoulos Young Scientist Award, as well Lucy Foglia (’27), who earned the NASA Earth Science System Award for conducting extensive field research. Other students were honored with awards in environmental science, innovation, behavioral science and much more.
Students emphasized the time and persistence required to complete their projects. Aaron Kahn (’27) stated how “it took about 30 to 40 hours, and the hardest part was figuring out what I wanted to study.” However, their hard work does not go unnoticed.
According to OSR teacher Mr. Guido Garbarino, “It’s always a tremendous honor to have a student place in the top 20 and go to the International Science Fair, and with Harper Morgan going this year, we have had a student attend ISEF three years in a row.”
For many participants, WESEF is more than just a competition; it is an opportunity to engage with a broader scientific community. Talking to judges and other schools helped these students think more deeply about their work. The strong performance at WESEF highlights the continued success of Mamaroneck’s OSR program and its emphasis on student-driven research. As Morgan prepares to represent the school on the international stage, the achievements of all participants accentuate the impact of curiosity, persistence and innovation.
