SHS Students Qualify for International Science and Engineering Fair

Three Syosset High School students have earned top honors at the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair (LISEF), qualifying them for the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) this May. Senior Winston Zhou, and juniors Gary Han and Grace Liu were among the top 20 research projects selected from over 400 entries. Their outstanding achievements have earned them the opportunity to compete for a share of $9 million in awards, prizes, and scholarships at ISEF in Columbus, Ohio.

At the LISEF competition earlier this month, the students were awarded first place in their respective categories for their innovative and groundbreaking research. Their projects are as follows:

• Winston Zhou: “Discrete Wavelet Transform-Based Parallel Hybrid Deep Learning Model for Forecasting El Niño-Southern Oscillation Cycles”
• Gary Han: “Discovery of the First Ever Double Exocomet Using an Automated Deep Learning Convolutional Neural Network”
• Grace Liu: “A Panel Data Analysis of Entrepreneurial Success and Gender Disparities Due to Decision-Making Under Uncertainty”

Syosset High School’s commitment to fostering research excellence was evident at this year’s LISEF competition, where 13 Syosset students presented their projects to a panel of judges. Nine students advanced to the second round, the most of any school district on Long Island, with three students ultimately securing first place. These outstanding performances have earned them a coveted spot at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in May.

“Congratulations to Gary Han, Grace Liu, and Winston Zhou for their remarkable accomplishments,” said Heather Hall, Lead Research Facilitator at Syosset High School. “These recognitions are the icing on the cake, showcasing the extraordinary research opportunities available to our students. We are incredibly proud of all of our students who continue to push the boundaries of innovation and discovery.”

Additionally, Syosset students earned notable placements in other categories at LISEF, including:

• Cody Cheng (Sr.): 2nd Place, Dr. Lorrence Green Special Award
• Alyssa Huang (Sr.): 4th Place, EPA Special Award
• Harmehar Kaur (Jr.): 4th Place
• Joshua Kleyner (Jr.): 2nd Place
• Jasmine Liu (Sr.) : 4th Place
• Paul Santy (Sr.): 4th Place