Sachem Science Research Students Showcase Excellence at Regional and State Competitions
Students from Sachem North and Sachem East High Schools showcased their passion for scientific discovery and innovation this spring by competing in two prestigious research competitions: the 2026 Long Island Science Congress and the 2026 New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) Andromeda Division.
The Long Island Science Congress at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, while the NYSSEF Andromeda Division competition took place at Jericho High School. Together, the events brought hundreds of student researchers from Nassau and Suffolk counties together to present original scientific investigations and defend their findings before expert judging panels.
Representing Sachem’s Science Research Program, students conducted and presented research in a variety of fields, including medicine and health sciences, ecology, sociology, mycology and materials science. Their projects reflected extensive work in experimental design, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Throughout the competitions, students participated in three rounds of judging, discussing the purpose of their research, methodologies, results, conclusions and future directions. Their professionalism and scientific expertise earned several students special recognition.
Award Recipients
Sachem East- Khrystyna Tomenchuk – Long Island Science Congress, High Honors
- Ananya Sood – Long Island Science Congress, Honors
- Sowbhagya Katipaga – NYSSEF Andromeda Division, 3rd Place
- Shriya Kethineedi – NYSSEF Andromeda Division, Honorable Mention
- Rhiannan Bracht – Long Island Science Congress, Honors
- Ethan Edelman – NYSSEF Andromeda Division, Honorable Mention
Sachem’s continued success at both the Long Island Science Congress and the New York State Science and Engineering Fair reflects the district’s commitment to academic excellence and providing students with opportunities to pursue advanced research experiences.
The accomplishments of these young scientists highlight the strength of the Science Research Program and its mission to develop critical thinkers, innovators and future leaders in STEM fields. Congratulations to all of the students who represented Sachem with distinction and demonstrated the power of curiosity, hard work and scientific inquiry.
Students from Sachem North and Sachem East High Schools showcased their passion for scientific discovery and innovation this spring by competing in two prestigious research competitions: the 2026 Long Island Science Congress and the 2026 New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) Andromeda Division.The Long Island Science Congress was held on April 21 at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, while the NYSSEF Andromeda Division competition took place on April 30 at Jericho High School. Together, the events brought hundreds of student researchers from Nassau and Suffolk counties together to present original scientific investigations and defend their findings before expert judging panels.
Representing Sachem’s Science Research Program, students conducted and presented research in a variety of fields, including medicine and health sciences, ecology, sociology, mycology and materials science. Their projects reflected extensive work in experimental design, data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Throughout the competitions, students participated in three rounds of judging, discussing the purpose of their research, methodologies, results, conclusions and future directions. Their professionalism and scientific expertise earned several students special recognition.
Award Recipients
Sachem East High School- Khrystyna Tomenchuk – Long Island Science Congress, High Honors
- Ananya Sood – Long Island Science Congress, Honors
- Sowbhagya Katipaga – NYSSEF Andromeda Division, 3rd Place
- Shriya Kethineedi – NYSSEF Andromeda Division, Honorable Mention
- Rhiannan Bracht – Long Island Science Congress, Honors
- Ethan Edelman – NYSSEF Andromeda Division, Honorable Mention
In addition to earning recognition for their achievements, Sachem students gained valuable experience presenting their work, receiving feedback from experts and collaborating with fellow student researchers from across Long Island.
Sachem’s continued success at both the Long Island Science Congress and the New York State Science and Engineering Fair reflects the district’s commitment to academic excellence and providing students with opportunities to pursue advanced research experiences.
The accomplishments of these young scientists highlight the strength of the Science Research Program and its mission to develop critical thinkers, innovators and future leaders in STEM fields. Congratulations to all of the students who represented Sachem with distinction and demonstrated the power of curiosity, hard work and scientific inquiry.