Mineola Boasts Two Intel Semifinalists

Monika Dharia and Charlotte Ring, seniors at Mineola High School, have been named as semifinalists in the 2015 Intel Science Talent Search.

This is the second time in the last five years that Mineola has had a semifinalist and the first time the district has ever had two in the same year. Monika is valedictorian of the graduating class and Charlotte is ranked fifth.

Monika’s project was chosen in the category of environmental science and is titled, “Evaluating the estrogenicity, androgenicity and toxicity of urban-use pesticides using saccharomyces cerevisiae bioluminescent reporter system.” Charlotte’s project, in the category of earth and planetary science, is titled “Assessing soil erosion through run-off and water-drop tests under acid rain attack.”

They are two of forty-three Long Island high school seniors who will compete with 300 semifinalists nationwide for a chance at three first-place awards of $150,000 each. Monika and Charlotte’s projects were chosen out of 1,844 total entries – the highest number in the contest in more than 15 years.

As semifinalists, the scholars will each receive $1,000 from the Intel Foundation, with an additional $1,000 being given to the high school to further its program. The Intel Science Talent Search is one of the oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competitions for students. Finalists are expected to be announced on Jan. 21.

Photos of Monika Dharia, left, and Charlotte Ring, right, courtesy of the Mineola Union Free School District

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