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Major Success for our Independent Science Research Program

06/01/2026

We are thrilled to share exciting news from our Independent Science Research (ISR) program. Our students haven’t just been working hard; they’ve been winning at the highest levels of competitive science.

Congratulations to junior Annie Katz, who took First Place in Engineering at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF). Annie’s project was ranked among the Top 16 in the entire state, earning her a spot at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the most prestigious international precollegiate science competition, in Phoenix this May. To put this in perspective: over 7 million students worldwide apply to ISEF-affiliated fairs, and only about 1,500 (1% of competitors) qualify for the ISEF. Annie’s participation marks the first time a Leffell School student will represent our school at this prestigious level!

Annie’s innovation, GI Tracked: A Wearable Abdominal Sensing System for Monitoring Gut Motility and Circadian Rhythms, also earned her:

  • The Holmes Family Engineering Innovation Award (1st Place) at the Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF).
  • The New York Invents Award at WESEF, sending her to the state-level New York Invention Convention in Albany in May.
  • One of a select few students nationwide invited to exhibit at the National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C. this June.

Annie is in great company, as other ISR students also took home major honors:

  • Ella Levy (Grade 11): Earned Second Place in Chemistry at WESEF for her work on Comparative Assessment of Natural and Synthetic Polymers for Application in Mascara Formulation.
  • Ranit Berman (Grade 11): Received an Honorable Mention in Behavioral Science at NYSSEF for her insightful study on Teens’ Experiences of Living with Food Allergy While Navigating Social and Peer Relationships.

These results are a testament to the curiosity and grit of our students. We are incredibly proud of Annie, Ella, Ranit, and all of our ISR participants. A special thank you to High School Science Teacher Arianna Gagnon, whose dedicated leadership of the ISR program has enabled our students to take on these incredible research opportunities and achieve these successes in the three years since the program launched. Kol hakavod! 

Student at a podium presenting research to a room of guests sitting at table.