Pleasantville HS Students Named Intel Semifinalists

Two Pleasantville High School students have been named to a list of just 300 students nationwide who are being recognized for their research as part of the Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS).

The competition, according to the Society for Science & the Public's website, "is the nation’s most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors."

PHS Seniors Colette McCullagh and Jeewan Naik have participated in teacher Ed Dans' three-year-long science research class. Each of the two semifinalists received $1,000 and $2,000 for the high school for being named to the list.

McCullagh worked with Dr. Mary Baylies of the Sloan-Kettering Institute to research a pediatric cancer drug, while Jeewan looked into "bacteria involved in certain forms of gum disease," according to a statement from Pleasantville High School.

Naik has worked with Dr. David Figurski of the Columbia University Medical Center for the past three years on the research.

When he graduates in June, Naik is looking to major in biological or chemical engineering.

McCullagh, whose sister Kelly Anne was also named an Intel semifinalist in 2010, plans to pursue a chemical engineering degree at Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering, where she was accepted via early decision.

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