​ Ossining Senior Wins 3rd Place at ISEF

Ossining High School senior Sofia Magalhães has been awarded third place at the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest international STEM research competition for high school students.. Competing against nearly 1,700 students from 66 countries, Sofia stood out for her cutting-edge neuroscience research project titled “Region-Specific Maintenance of Blood Brain Barrier Integrity by Astrocytes: Implications for Selective Vulnerability to Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Sofia’s project explored the critical role astrocytes play in maintaining the blood-brain barrier and how dysfunction in this system may contribute to why certain regions of the brain are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s Disease. The work required mastery of advanced image analysis, coding, and an unwavering commitment to problem-solving.

This latest achievement adds to the storied success of Ossining High School’s Science Research Program, widely recognized as one of the top programs of its kind in the country. Under the visionary leadership of Co-Directors Angelo Piccirillo and Valerie Holmes, the program has consistently produced students who excel at the highest levels of national and international competition. Their mentorship has cultivated a culture of academic rigor, curiosity, and resilience—qualities that continue to yield remarkable results.

“Sofia’s accomplishment is another milestone in a long legacy of excellence,” said Mr. Piccirillo. “Our program is built on the belief that high school students are capable of extraordinary research, and Sofia’s success at ISEF proves that once again.

“Sofia’s award at ISEF is an extraordinary achievement, and I couldn’t be prouder,” added Ms. Holmes. “This competition brings together the best young minds from around the world, and for Sofia to be recognized at that level speaks volumes about her talent, dedication, and the significance of her research.”