91st Street Magazine Capstone 2019

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CAPSTONE 2019

S.T.E.M. Topics Dominate 28

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Ninety-first Street students are passionate about S.T.E.M. That was the message from the 2019 Capstone Presentation. For this elective independent study program, seniors select an area of study and faculty advisor, and spend approximately six months researching and completing their projects before presenting them to faculty, family and friends.

This year, half of the students participating chose to focus on science, technology, or engineering.

These six students shared how they arrived at their topics, and what they most enjoyed.

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N AY L A B O O R A DY

Computational Research CHARLOTTE MAGEE

Biopsychology Mentor David Malito, US Chemistry

Project Researched neuroscience and biochemical/genetic manifestations of neurological disorders

Why I’ve been passionate about mental health advocacy for years now and have done

Mentor

extensive research in the past, through personal endeavors and through my junior

Lauren Mitchell, US Computer Science

year theology project on societal stigma surrounding mental illness. I realized I

and Technology Integrationist

didn’t know too much about the biology behind psychiatric illnesses, though, and

Project

decided to take this opportunity to educate myself.

Used Python and R, Pandas, Github to collect

Most enjoyed

and analyze data regarding concentrations of air

Overall, I enjoyed being able to study something about which I’m extremely

toxins throughout Manhattan

passionate on my own terms.

Why I thought it would be useful to learn more about different programming languages and techniques before pursuing an engineering degree in college. I participated in a physics research program this past summer that relied heavily on programming methods, which made me realize how useful coding can be in basically any field. I decided to study Python and R for my capstone, which I learned are pretty useful in the scientific community.

Most enjoyed I most enjoyed spending time with Ms. Mitchell learning about new programming libraries and talking about her programming experience.

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HYLAND BROWN

Marine Pharmacology Mentor Sarah Cabot, US Biology

Project 19-page research paper about red sea urchins and their regenerative capacities, sea sponges, and implications in cancer research

Why I’ve always loved the ocean. When I was in 8th grade, I went to a diving camp and got my diving certification, and that translated into doing an internship at a marine facility in Bermuda. My mentor there, who is a marine biologist, would end every lecture with examples of work she was doing that had modern applications, often in the medical field. I did some research over the summer, never expecting to do an independent study, just because it was interesting—and realized the intersection of medicine and marine pharmacology was about to blow up—it already has. And then, in AP Bio, I started to learn the terminology necessary to dive deeper into the science papers that would serve as the foundation for my research.

Most enjoyed The most exciting thing that this has opened up for me is how far-reaching the potential for this field is. I’m going to UCLA to be near the ocean, and further my research, and I’m thinking about being pre-med. All throughout high school, I’ve loved the humanities side, but this has unleashed a whole new passion for me.

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E K AT E R I N A S K O R N I A K O VA

Python Coding K AT I E M C GA R T Y

Computational Neurobiology Mentor Lauren Mitchell, US Computer Science and Technology Integrationist

Project Learned Python coding, then designed a digital memory game for Chinese language students

Why

Mentor David Malito, US Chemistry

I thought learning what makes computers work—how they’re made, how they function—would be fascinating. I also knew

Project

it would be another tool, like another language, that would

Studied neurobiology and analyzed data regard-

come in handy. I remember in 9th grade, I attended an earth

ing neurons, ion channels, and neurological

science conference at Columbia University, and a scientist—

disorders such as acquired epilepsy

an oceanographer—told me “if you want to enter the

Why

science field, go learn computer science right now,” because he studied volcanic vents, and everyone used robots programmed by Python to collect data. You wouldn’t

I’ve always been interested in neuroscience and wanted to begin to explore it.

think an oceanographer would need to know how computers

Most enjoyed

function, but yes you do, because you need to know how

I was able to learn about something really

your tools work in order to use them.

unusual for someone my age, and the learning

Most enjoyed

was tailored to my interests.

With programming, you’re actually problem solving. The hardest part is figuring out how you can create algorithms or functions to reach the solution. In math class, the teacher shows you the steps, and then you find a solution. With programming, you’re given the solution, the desired end product—and then you need to figure out the steps to get there. The great thing is that with computer coding, most things are open source. If you’re stumped, and you need help, the help is out there. There are people who are solving what you’re working on right now. It’s about putting your own spin on it so it works within your context, and then putting it out there into the world.

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ANNIKA SOLOMONE

Engineering, Coding, and Posture Mentor Aubree Stephens, US Engineering

Project Designed, programmed and produced device to correct posture

Why I’ve always struggled with slouching, and although I’ve tried my best with remembering to stand up straight, it’s not always easy. A few years ago, I thought of making my own posture corrector. This October, I realized a Capstone project would be the perfect opportunity to meet with Ms. Stephens and build a prototype. I don’t have much engineering or coding experience, so I wasn’t sure if it was possible, but she’s taught me so much and we’re almost finished with the prototype!

Most enjoyed I’m most excited about completing the prototype and trying it. The idea is that whenever the device senses a certain degree of tilt—slouch—it buzzes, as if to say, “You’re slouching! Stand up straight!”

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