Heritage research takes on Barry University

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COVID has limited the amount of in-person science competitions available to high school students, so research director Mrs. Leya Joykutty took a more innovative approach to get her students back into the competition scene. She chose 13 research students who demonstrated exemplary success in past competitions this year and invited them to compete at Barry University’s annual STEM symposium April 8, allowing them to present their research to college professors and PhD students while learning from accomplished scientists in various fields.

Sophomores Lorenzo Pulmano, Shrika Kantipudi and Amara Okpala, as well as Mrs. Leya Joykutty, help set up projects for presentation. Unlike the science fair, Barry University allows students to use a regular poster instead of a trifold, though some opted to use a trifold regardless. (Photo/Ella Gohari)
Heritage research students present their findings to judges and Barry University students alike. As the first and only high school team at Barry University’s STEM symposium, American Heritage surprised Barry faculty with their high research caliber, with one judge claiming that he “couldn’t imagine doing this in high school.” (Photos/Juliana Caulkins, Leya Joykutty and Ella Gohari)
Sophomore Malcolm Owusu received an honorable mention, while freshman Likhitha Selvan, sophomore Melodi Fugate and junior Alejandra Abramson received the first place award and were rewarded with a copy of the book “The Sixth Extinction” by Elizabeth Kolbert. (Photo/Juliana Caulkins and Leya Joykutty)

Senior Ellaheh Gohari is entering her fourth (and sadly final) year on staff and third year as co-EIC of the Patriot Post. She loves learning new things and can often be found going down Wikipedia rabbit holes in search of random knowledge. Outside of room 25310, she serves as co-president to both the Girls Excelling in Math and Science club and the Science National Honor Society. A science-lover, she enjoys exploring the subject through research projects with UMiami, volunteer tutoring with OTTER and fact-checks with MediaWise. She hopes you enjoy your time reading the Patriot Post.