In a Nigerian immigrant household, her mom's dreams for her children, especially for her as the first and only daughter, were as expansive as the strength of their communal bonds; Abigail Atuana is committed to changing the world through advocacy and proactive initiatives.

In her freshman year, she began volunteering with The Remedy Project, a nonprofit that strives to address the human rights crisis within the U.S. prison system by leveraging the administrative remedy process, student activism, and experiences of formerly incarcerated advocates. She recently piloted this initiative in immigration detentions. Moreover, she is part of the Diversify Our Narrative national team, contributing to their mission of shaping an anti-racist future through chapter engagement, policy work, storytelling, and developing diverse lesson plans. She also interned at TurnUp Activism, a nonprofit focused on enhancing democracy by empowering youth engagement and bridging the gap between aspiring and active civic participants. As a sophomore at Bronx Science who transferred this year, Abigail is extremely involved in school activities. She is on the school's Model United Nations team, where she will take on a leadership position next year, and will also serve as co-president of Exposition, the school's social science club and journal. Furthermore, she is a member of the Student Diversity Committee and the Social Science Research program. Through the Brunner Award, she will participate in a virtual research program and a summer program in Washington, D.C. She is very grateful for the support of the award and the Bronx Science Alumni Foundation.

Hello, my name is Cecilia Beauchamp and I am going into my senior year! I  am so excited to be accepting this award. Bronx science has made me realize how much scientific research excites me. Entering the math research track and starting to dive into the world of research has been incredible. I have already spent a year working on a project and submitted to multiple competitions. My research entails computational analysis of songs and what makes specific compositions better for music therapy interventions. I have been a musician my entire life being in the Bronx science jazz band since freshman year and playing many instruments since I could remember. 

So, being able to combine my love for music and research has been an absolute dream. However, my research is all computational so I have never yet been able to work in a lab. I have aspirations to do research in college and hopefully beyond. In order to gain experience and be able to do what I love I am working in a lab with a woman in the translational epidemiology department at Columbia university. Because of this award I am able to get to her lab every day. I am so excited and grateful to have received this metrocard.

Emma Belle is currently a junior at the Bronx High School of Science and is also the oldest of three children. She is an avid member of school athletics, captaining both the girls JV soccer and varsity girls golf teams. She is also a current player on the school coed golf team, working alongside her teammates to compete in city wide PSAL matches. Academically, she is a participant of the school’s three year math research program. This class has propelled her to investigate economic disparities that exist in the world, prompting an interest in the field. Starting from last year, she has begun a mentorship program working with a Columbia University risk-management professor. Together, they have researched how the Efficient Market Hypothesis relates to the standard of living in society. Outside of school, Emma is an active member of the dance community, taking Vaganova style ballet lessons for 13 years. Dance has allowed Emma to challenge herself creatively and overcome difficulties. She hopes to carry the same perseverance she cultivated from dance into other aspects of life, including her academic and research endeavors.

I was born in New York City but raised in Alabama, then came back to live in New York City in 2018. I’ve lived in two different boroughs; I lived in Manhattan for a few years but I currently reside in Queens. As I’ve moved around, I have experienced many different environments and witnessed their changes. I believe that my interest in human behavior stemmed from the variety of neighborhoods I’ve lived in and the many communities that reside in said neighborhoods. I’ve seen how over the years, many communities are affected through socioeconomic or physical changes. I continuously educate myself on how the environment impacts groups or individuals. At Bronx Science I am part of the FeMaidens marketing team and Lunar Productions in which I participate in Lion Dance. I hope to pursue a career in social work such as psychiatry and continue advocating positive changes.

Hi, my name is Stacy and I’m a current junior at Bronx Science. Some of my favorite hobbies include sketching and birdwatching. In addition, I’m also passionate about computer science and electronics, through my participation in the robotics team and Science Olympiad. In the meantime, I’m also delving into geology through the research that I’m doing, and this is why I applied for the Brunner Awards.

I had a fascination with biology, particularly evolution, from my interest in birds. I’ve heard about Darwin’s finches, and have seen the diversity of bird species in NYC. However, my continued research from last year in geology shows that evolution is not just a subject in biology, but also has close ties to geology. Observations in evolution can only be seen in the rocks and formation records, because of the millions of years it takes for new species to form. In addition, the causes for the emergence of new species can also be observed in these rocks, such as the iridium anomaly across the globe from the Yucatán impact from the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary and the various anoxia and carbon spikes throughout Earth’s history. This summer, I hope to finish the research I started last year, and also get started with a new independent research project, putting the skills I’ve learned in the past few years into a final product.

Hi, my name is Kevin Cruz and I am currently a junior at Bronx Science. Some of the extracurriculars I participate in include: president of Music Technology Club, vice president of Anthropology Club, co-secretary of Cyber Security Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, and of course Science Olympiad, where I have competed on both the regional and national level and received several medals. I have been interested in science for as long as I can remember, specifically biological sciences. I plan to pursue this interest by continuing my research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where I will be performing my own research project over the summer. My project will primarily focus on the causal mechanisms of breast cancer and some therapies that we can develop in order to target these mechanisms. Aside from the sciences, I really enjoy volunteering, whether it be individually or part of a group such as Key Club. Regardless, I find volunteering to be both beneficial to the community as well as to myself as it teaches me valuable lessons that may only be experienced firsthand. As a continuation of the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival that I previously volunteered at, over this summer, along with my research, I will be a staff member that has a more active role in preparing the festival and overseeing the activities. I am grateful to the Brunner Awards for allowing me to both pursue my research as well as allowing me to help in the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival.

My name is Madelyn Duong, and I am a sophomore at the Bronx High School of Science. I am a member of the cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams specializing in pole vault. I am also in the Bronx Science research program. I will intern in Dr. Gabriela Chiosis’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center lab under Dr. Salil Sharma, specializing in Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative disease over the summer. With the help of the Brunner Awards, I will learn so much about being in a lab environment, experiencing how research is performed, and getting valuable hands-on experience in the lab. I have been interested in medicine since I was young, and am extremely grateful for this opportunity. My interest in medicine led me to join the research program (one of my favorite classes this year), where I learned important skills such as coding, working as a team, and statistical analysis. Outside of academics, I enjoy staying active, reading all genres of books, spending time with my sisters, hiking, and volunteering at food banks, which I wish to continue over the summer with the help from the Brunner Awards as well.

My name is Caren Fu, and I am a sophomore at the Bronx High School of Science. I am a first-generation American, whose immigrant parents were born in Indonesia and China. In a family of five, I am the youngest with two older siblings, a brother and a sister, both attending college. Living in Queens, my commute to the Bronx is long and tedious; however, I have found new interests in engineering, biology, and sports in my school that continue to motivate me to work hard in pursuing the STEM field. I am currently a part of the Varsity Girls Swim team, the JV Girls Basketball team, and the JV Girls Softball team. My interest in engineering and biology mainly stemmed from the Elements of Engineering course I took in my freshman year and the AP Biology course I am currently enrolled in this year. Although I can’t say the sciences were my first career choice, taking difficult science-based courses at Bronx Science eventually fostered my love for challenging myself and my eagerness to learn more about STEM. I am also a part of the Spring Stanley Manne Institute where I am currently researching E. Coli and bacteria. My time at Bronx Science has allowed me to take diverse classes such as Physical Science/Engineering Research and Science Research 9, which led to my interest in pursuing programs such as cancer prevention research at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Health Equity Program. With my time in this program, I hope to find a mentor in the field of engineering or biology to continue my research.

My name is Kevin Fu, and I’m a junior at The Bronx High School of Science. I have an older brother in university and a younger brother in this school. I also live in the Bronx and ride my bike to school whenever I can. I’m also a member of Key Club, in which I’ve spent many hours of my weekends at volunteer events in various places throughout the city, ranging from food pantries to races, to park clean-ups, and more. It was through one of these events, the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, that I found an opportunity to intern for the annual cultural festival, which is where I’ll be spending this summer, In addition to Key Club, I’m a member of the Bronx Science Varsity Wrestling Team, where I compete against other schools in meets on the weekdays and tournaments on the weekends. I also have a passion for public transportation and engineering. I’m a big user of public transportation, traveling all over the city on trains and buses, which I developed a fondness for. I enjoy researching the history of the NYC subway system, and the infrastructure and technology that keeps it running. I have a passion for science and mathematics and enjoy the STEM courses I am currently enrolled in, including Calculus BC and AP Physics. Some of my other hobbies I have include baking and biking. 

I value inclusivity and community and hope to make the world a better place. I thank the Brunner Awards for supporting me.

My name is Benjamin Gao, and I’m a junior at the Bronx High School of Science. I was born in Queens NYC but I spent the first few years of my life in China. I have a 4 year old little brother who I absolutely adore. I’m a member of the school's Speech and Debate team, President of the Political Discourse Club, and Event Coordinator for the Asian American Association club. My roles in these organizations have fueled my passion for politics and public discourse. This interest led me to volunteer for City Councilwoman Sandra Ung’s reelection campaign, and I am eager to participate in another campaign during this election cycle. Additionally, I am part of the school’s research program and will be conducting research at Columbia University this summer. My research involves chemical analyses of sea foraminifera to trace the Earth's climate history. Understanding the Earth's past climate is crucial for addressing modern climate issues, and I am excited to continue and expand upon my research from last summer. My dual interests in scientific research and political discourse have shaped my perspective on environmental sustainability. My hands-on experience in climate research has deepened my appreciation for the scientific aspects of sustainability, while my active participation in public discourse has underscored the importance of policy in addressing environmental challenges.

Alexandra Ghile is a sophomore at the Bronx High School of Science. She has always been interested in the humanities, whether it be reading, writing, or public speaking. At Bronx Science, she immerses herself in different activities. She is on the Lincoln Douglas debate team, for which she has competed in many tournaments,including states. This is her fourth year doing debate, and she continues to love the thrill of tournaments. She is also a captain of the Girls JV Soccer team. On this team, she enjoys playing at games, spending time with her friends, and getting better at her soccer skills. In addition to being on soccer and debate, she is a Staff Reporter and editor for Bronx Science’s newspaper The Science Survey. Several of her articles have been featured on the spotlight as pieces that exemplify outstanding journalism. She finds it rewarding to know that she is giving a voice to people and problems that need to be recognized. Overall, at Bronx Science, she is constantly excited about the next thing she will learn in her classes. Though she’s interested in many different subjects, the Brunner Award opens opportunities specifically for writing. With the support of the funding from the Brunner Awards, Alexandra will participate in a 6-week fiction and fantasy writing course. She hopes that this course will help her improve her writing, expose her to different ways of writing from her peers, and aid her in her advanced English courses in the school years to come.

Shannen Gwie is a current sophomore at the Bronx High School of Science. She is passionate about embracing every opportunity to challenge herself and participates in extracurriculars that shape her academic and future pursuits. She is the co-founder of SmileCare Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about oral health and empowering youths interested in dental careers, and has had the privilege of leading events that educate and inspire by providing resources, holding meetings, and fundraising money, focusing on dental health education. She serves as the secretary of BxSmiles Club, where she educates Bronx Science students on the field of dentistry through guest lectures and hands-on activities, encouraging a supportive community of future dentists. She is also the head manager of the JV Girls Basketball team, theater student director, and a member of multiple other clubs such as Pre-Med and Crafts for Humanity. Shannen also finds joy in volunteering at the school library as she is a dedicated member of the library squad and in teaching kids reading and math at tutoring centers during the weekends. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, spending time with her family and friends, and taking pictures. This summer, Shannen aims to shadow a dentist to gain valuable insights and experience in the field of dentistry, as her dream is to become a dentist and be able to collaborate with patients. With the generous funding provided by the Brunner Awards, she is ensured the necessary transportation to participate in this valuable opportunity.

David Hu is an ambitious, rising senior who currently attends the Bronx High School of Science. Ever since he was young, David has been excited by the STEM field, demonstrating his interest by joining a robotics team in middle school and watching Kurzgesagt YouTube videos. David then discovered a newfound passion for humanities once he began attending Bronx Science. With Anti-Asian hate so prevalent after the COVID-19 pandemic, David made it his goal to spread awareness about his culture and identity. By joining the Korean American Youth Foundation and the Bronx Science Speech and Debate team, he fostered a new love for activism along the way. His fervor for both the STEM and humanities subjects has influenced David to pursue public health, a field that requires expertise in both educational sectors. This summer, under Dr. Schnall’s mentorship, David will be conducting research on HIV and alternative methods of prevention at the Columbia University School of Nursing. Not only is this project core to his social science research class, but it is also important to him personally. Due to his own first-hand experiences, he recognizes how pervasive stigmatization can be—especially of a specific population unfortunately associated with an unprecedented illness. As a witness to the consequences that discrimination has on public health, David has therefore become an even stronger advocate for dismantling structural racism and challenging unfounded bigotry. The Brunner Award will be used to support this crucial research while facilitating David’s aspirations to improve global health.

Caroline Jiang is a rising junior at the Bronx High School of Science. She works as an administrative aide in the mornings before class, lifting up the spirits of students hoping for study hall with the famous yellow slips that announce teacher absences in hand. She is an incoming Club Coordinator of Latin Club and a member of the Math Team and the Speech and Debate Congressional Squad. 

Caroline frequents the path of intellectual and creative exploration, and especially appreciates language’s diverse and harmonious ways of interpretation and expression. She is a Scholastic Medalist in writing and poetry and an editor for the school’s foreign language magazine Vox Discipulorum. Her poems have also appeared in the school’s literary magazine Dynamo and have been recognized in the NYC Department of Environmental Protection’s Water Resources Contest. Caroline’s exploration of language has gone so far as to involve a journey into the ancient past: she has become immersed in the study of Latin. Not only is Caroline a #1 Classics enthusiast, she is also the first student in her cohort to obtain a perfect paper two years in a row on the National Latin Exam. 

Caroline spends a lot of her time reflecting upon the implications of words and the meanings in and of life, often involving herself in philosophical inquiry and human rights discussions. In the face of endless possibilities, she wishes to smooth out the wrinkles of day-to-day life: through future, spectacular feats, or even just through daily smiles and conversations.

My name is Timothy Kim, and I am a rising sophomore at the Bronx High School of Science. Three years ago, I moved from Korea to New York City, and this transition has been an essential moment in my life, especially in shaping my academic interests. From attending Bronx Science, I have discovered a deep passion for math and science, thanks to the diverse curriculum that I experienced here. I am a member of the Math Team, where I enjoy solving math problems and participating in various competitions. Additionally, I am a member of the JV baseball team. Balancing academics and athletics has taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and time management. My future dream is to become an ophthalmologist. My interest in this field was fueled by reading several medical books and learning about the various challenges and gaps in eye care and medical research. This realization has increased my passion to contribute to advancements in ophthalmology, and I am eager to dedicate my future to enhancing the study and treatment of eye conditions. This summer, I am planning to attend the STEP program at NYU. I believe this experience will deepen my understanding of the medical field and teach me new knowledge with skills that are important for my future career. The program will undoubtedly increase my educational horizons and help me gain insights into the intricacies of medical science. From the support that I have received from the Brunner Awards, I am excited to dive into new experiences that will enhance my passion in ophthalmology.

Anna Koontz is a junior at the Bronx High School of Science. She loves her school community and holds leadership in both Gardening Club and Seekers Christian Club. Anna has been involved in Gardening Club since freshman year and enjoys spending time outdoors each week tackling knotweed. She founded Seekers this year and has been delighted to see this new community take root at Bronx Science as well.

Outside of school, Anna loves both playing and listening to music. She often volunteers to manage the sound system at her church and has studied viola for several years. Anna is the principal violist of the ISO at Third Street Symphony Orchestra, with which she performed at Carnegie Hall last year. This year, she was thrilled to have the opportunity to additionally participate in the New York Philharmonic Youth Orchestra program. She dedicated her spring break to a week of intensive rehearsals and workshops until their final performance, conducted by the renowned Gustavo Dudamel. 

Whether she’s taking the subway to rehearsal or biking in Riverside Park, Anna always has a favorite book on her. She is passionate about reading and writes for two of her school publications, The Science Survey and the Alumni Magazine. Anna is also fascinated by the science behind how writing and language works. She is very grateful to the Brunner Awards for providing her the opportunity to study linguistics at a Columbia Pre-College program this summer. Anna is excited to learn more about linguistics in a university setting.

My name is Renzo Lau. I am a rising junior at Bronx Science. Like my namesake, Renzo Piano (the renowned architect), I have always been fascinated by how structures are built. Freshman year at Bronx Science I made the varsity soccer team. I am a dedicated soccer player, and enjoy competing on the field with my fellow teammates. Soccer has taught me about discipline and perseverance. I have since maintained my athletic discipline alongside my growing interest and determination in mechanical engineering. During the semester-long Elements of Engineering course, I was consumed with designing a bridge in software. I enjoyed the challenge of creating a functional, cost-effective bridge. This year, when presented with the opportunity to join the Physical Science/Engineering Research Program, I seized the opportunity. Upon joining the class, I explored different fields of physical science, and concluded that environmental engineering was what I wanted to pursue. I began reaching out to various professors in the environmental engineering field. I found a mentor specializing in energy saving technologies, who I am now working alongside to create piezoelectric technology. The Brunner Awards’ generous donation will help me with traveling to my professor’s college and participate in my research. My research has been a source of fulfillment for me, as I want to contribute to advancements in energy saving technologies, and engineering to improve conditions for everybody. The availability of the funding for my transportation supports me as I pursue my research in piezoelectricity and turn my designs into reality.

Sofia is a sophomore at the Bronx High School of Science, deeply passionate about the intersection of science and music. As a singer and guitarist, she combines these interests to make a meaningful impact in her community. She founded NoteWorthy, a music initiative that promotes citizenship, volunteerism, and mental health advocacy among student musicians. Through NoteWorthy, Sofia has witnessed the profound impact of music on emotional well-being for both performers and audiences, especially during performances at senior homes, hospitals, and in collaboration with nonprofits. In addition to her work with NoteWorthy, Sofia volunteers at NYU Steinhardt's Nordoff-Robbins Center for Music Therapy. There, she assists the therapy team to document client progress and assess the effectiveness of music therapy for children with autism. Sofia's dedication to integrating science and music was recently recognized with an honorable mention in the Toshiba/ NSTA Exploravision 2024 competition for her project "System Somni: Exploring Sleep-Based PTSD Therapies," which integrates music therapy and Targeted Memory Reactivation (TMR) to treat PTSD. Sofia is committed to learning more about personalized therapeutic plans and innovative approaches to support individuals affected by cognitive disorders and emotional difficulties. She aims to continue researching and implementing creative solutions that leverage the power of music to improve mental health and well-being.

Hello! My name is Jayden Lin and I’m a rising senior. I’ve been interested in engineering for most of my life and I found a use for that passion through joining the Science Olympiad team, which I’ve been a member of since sophomore year. My involvement in Science Olympiad has been centered around build and inquiry events. Pursuing these topics in Science Olympiad has allowed me to further my interests in engineering and refine my skills with construction and microcontrollers. Also, as I take Math and Computer Science Research, I work with a lab at NYU Tandon. My research has been centered around civil engineering and applications of technologies to the field. To this extent, I’ve analyzed data and worked on computational models. More recently, I have been investigating innovations in the construction industry. Some of my other activities include playing the trumpet. I discovered the trumpet my freshman year when I decided to take Beginner Band. I now play trumpet in the school’s concert band. Outside of school related activities, I am an active Boy Scout where I serve as the Instructor of my Troop and am a member of the Order of the Arrow.

Sihui Lin is a junior at the Bronx High School of Science. Besides her academic life, she is involved in many after-school activities as she is a member of Apeiro, S!NG 2024, and the vice president of the Chinese Cultural Club. Beyond the diverse activities in the school, Sihui is also actively participating in community services, such as volunteering at political campaigns and Queens Botanical Garden. At a young age, Sihui was inspired by many enthusiastic individuals who helped out around the community. Driven by the desire to make effective changes, Sihui is eager to contribute to and make her community a better place by making positive impacts outside of the classroom. The experiences in these extracurriculars taught Sihui a lot. Communication skills, group collaborations, and socializing skills are all essential skills that would help Sihui in her future. She also met many friends with the same goal as her on her journey. The opportunities in the Bronx Science encourage and enable Sihui to explore her interests and accomplish more. For example, the Key Club provides more chances for community services. There are also a variety of programs and awards that support students to achieve their dreams. Sihui will continue to reach out for more opportunities that would help her community and make changes. Finally, Sihui hopes to inspire passionate students who also wish to help out in the community or purely want to explore more possibilities.

Hello! My name is Sophia Lin and I am a rising junior at the Bronx High School of Science. I am part of the Speech and Debate team, and I have performed research weekly at the Stanley Manne Research Institute. Outside of academics, I enjoy drawing, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family. Moreover, I also like to volunteer at my local library, where I help organize events and assist with community programs. Volunteering allows me to give back to my community and make a positive impact. I also enjoy taking part in community events, as they provide a great opportunity to connect with others and stay engaged. 

This summer, I will be conducting my personal research at New York University to study the mental structures of human language. I am excited about delving deeper into the field of neurolinguistics and understanding how language is processed in the brain. This research aligns with my passion for both science and language, and I look forward to applying my skills and knowledge in a professional research setting. Through these various and meaningful experiences, I hope to not only expand my knowledge, but also solidify my passions. Last but not least, I am very grateful to the Brunner Awards and the Brunner family for providing me with the opportunity to conduct research.

Erica Liu is a current sophomore at Bronx Science and hopes to be an orthodontist in the future. She has been an avid team member of Science Olympiad since the 8th grade, enjoying competing in various competitions in events such as Ecology, Experimental Design, Chemistry Lab, Disease Detectives, Forensics, and earning numerous medals. She is also a violinist in the school’s orchestra, performing for the Winter and Spring concerts annually. Outside of school, Erica is involved in several non-profit organizations. Notably, she serves as the Vice President of the Cancer Kids First NYC Chapter, striving to provide pediatric cancer patients with better lives, and as an aspiring orthodontist, co-founded the SmileCare Society organization, through which she is able to fundraise money to purchase dental hygiene supplies for donation and spread awareness about oral health. Erica spends a lot of her free time playing the violin and making art, both of which she has been involved in since kindergarten. She has participated in many orchestral programs throughout her years in middle school and high school, and most recently performed at Carnegie Hall with the Nassau Principal Orchestra. She spends her Fridays after school teaching young elementary students violin, and also participates in various music outreach programs, performing at churches, senior centers, and more. Over the summer, she will be conducting research at SUNY Downstate in Dr. Christopher Lange’s lab, working with cancer stem cells, and she is grateful that the Brunner Awards provides her with this opportunity!

Anna (or Dakota) Lombard is a sophomore in The Bronx High School of Science, currently participating in the 3-year Physical Science and Engineering Research Program. They are 15 years old and live in the southern tip of Manhattan, making the trip to school long, but worth it. For most of their childhood, they were interested in learning about and building a career in the sciences, possessing a passion for astronomy that stems further back than they can recall. Currently, they are fascinated by many fields within the physical sciences, such as electrochemistry, atmospheric sciences, and astrophysics. As a result, Dakota is a member of the Bronx Science Olympiad, Astronomy and Experimental Design Teams as well as the Astronomy Club, when they aren’t busy with various hobbies or doing their homework. They try to involve their creativity in their life whenever they can, whether that be through school projects, doodles on post-it notes, or random gifts for their friends. They are excited to participate in lithium-ion-battery research at Hunter College this summer, and they hope that they can continue on to a future career in research.

Hi, my name is Anika! I am a rising senior in Bronx Science. I enjoy playing games, rewriting songs, and drawing with my friends in my free time. My Japanese class has taught me the importance of language and culture for bringing people together. During my time as a volunteer at the Queens Public Library I had the opportunity to assist patrons and this further cemented the significance of learning and community. My biggest commitment at school would be Stage Crew. As a part of the paint crew, I have not only made strong props and set pieces with hot glue, duct tape, and cans of paint, but formed strong relationships with the rest of the crew and cast. Backstage, we aren't just a team but a family, and working together is what makes us so effective at piecing the productions together. My love for connecting the dots isn’t only reserved for art or producing but for science as well. This summer, I will be working in a lab at the American Museum of Natural History, focusing on scorpion phylogeny. I will be investigating the connections between different species to answer questions about the evolutionary relationships between these scorpions and the diversity of the genus. I am excited for the work I will get to be a part of this summer, and I am grateful to Mr. Brunner for creating this program and allowing me to access this experience!

My name is Zachary Meryn, and I'm a current junior at Bronx Science. I love to read, travel, and teach through various means. This summer, I'm most excited to continue the research I've been doing regarding neural networks and their applications in different engineering fields. I have a twin brother, and a cat named Bagel. My favorite book series as a child was Percy Jackson, and I really enjoyed the show when it came out on Disney+. I've lived in New York City for my whole life, and I've loved exploring different parts of the city. I'm choosing to pursue projects relating to the development of neural network architecture because I'm very interested to learn more about how machine learning technologies interact with pre-existing fields of engineering. I've liked engineering for a long time because I find it very interesting, and the potential that neural networks have to optimize different systems and solve new challenges is very intriguing for me, and I think the best place for me to be regarding these new developments is gaining firsthand experience developing and applying different models. I'm really excited to see what this summer has in store for me!

I'm seventeen and from the Bronx in New York City. I am currently a Junior at Bronx Science and wish to pursue a career in STEM considering my interests in research; which both the Brunner Awards and Alumni Foundation furthered my prospective career through their support regarding my population health research. Besides conducting research, I also participate in various activities such as gardening with the Gardening Club in Bronx Science, animal caring with Animal Squad, and reading horror novels in my spare time. Some of the most recent horror or dystopian novels that I have read are Cormac McCarthy’s The Road and Alma Katsu’s The Hunger which conveys emotional strife and perseverance depending on the character and their response to challenges. While juggling responsibilities in my family as an only daughter with brothers, I enjoy using my time for problem solving which is seen through my favored subject being Mathematics as well as learning new skills in general such as sewing and data analysis.

My name is Tashpia Nabila and I am a current sophomore at the Bronx High School of Science. From a young age, I always harbored a dream of becoming a doctor and making significant contributions to the medical field. This aspiration has been a guiding force throughout my educational journey and personal development. A pivotal inspiration for me has been my sister, who embarked on her own path in medicine. Watching her dedication and achievements has continuously fueled my own passion and determination to pursue a career in healthcare. My academic journey at the Bronx High School of Science has been instrumental in shaping my ambitions. The rigorous environment and the high standards of excellence pushes me to work harder and embrace challenging courses. Among these, AP Biology stood out as a cornerstone in my education, deepening my understanding of the complexities of life sciences and further solidifying my commitment to the field of medicine. Beyond academics, I find joy and relaxation in various hobbies. Cooking and baking with my sister are cherished activities that allow us to bond and create delicious memories together. I also enjoy painting, which provides a creative outlet and a way to express my thoughts and emotions. Exploring new cafes and shopping are favorite pastimes that offer a delightful blend of discovery and relaxation, enriching my life with diverse experiences. As I look to the future, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am committed to making meaningful contributions to the medical community. The Brunner Award will be a vital part of my journey, helping to turn my aspirations into reality.

Hi, my name is Parthiv Patel, and I am a current junior at the Bronx High School of Science. I have one older sister, and I live with my parents and grandma. I was born in California but have lived most of my life in Manhattan, New York. Since I was young, I have always had an interest in science and engineering. I participated in many different summer camps and after-school activities. In middle school, I joined the First Lego League (FLL), which sparked my interest in robotics. I continued my passion for robotics by joining the Sciborgs FRC team as a freshman, and I have been on the team ever since. Outside of school, I participate in the American Rocketry Competition with a few other Bronx Science students. Together, we had the opportunity to qualify for the national competition. This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the Beaver Works Summer Institute, taking the Cyber Operations class. Cyber Operations teaches me how to protect, access, or manage user data or network assets while denying the same to oppositional forces in the digital domain. The course is taught through a fusion of lectures from MIT Lincoln Laboratory and special guest lecturers from the industry, providing real-life experiences. This experience will be a stepping stone in the field of technology and engineering. I am grateful to the Brunner Awards for giving me the opportunity to have an enriching summer experience.

Avery Pflueger is a current sophomore at Bronx Science. She is actively involved in many school activities including Girls Varsity Soccer, Girls Varsity Flag Football, and Psychology and Neuroscience club amongst other extracurriculars. Avery is an avid musician and spends most of her free time playing and listening to music. Some of her favorite bands include Fleetwood Mac, The Sundays, Mazzy Star, and The Cars. She is currently in a small Classic Rock band with three friends at Bronx Science, who hope to release their first single soon! With the generous support from the Brunner Family, Avery will be attending the Aspire: Five-Week Music Performance Intensive this summer, during which the electric guitar will be her primary instrument. The program will allow Avery to hone her musicianship, learn about music production, ensemble work, and improve her performance skills. She is beyond thrilled to have this incredible opportunity - and cannot wait to spend her summer in Boston!

My name is Nika Pekarsky, and I am a rising senior. Throughout my time at Bronx Science, I have participated in numerous activities in and out of school. I spend my time doing sports such as figure skating and ballet, and am on the boards of clubs such as Investment Society and Model UN. Furthermore, I spend my free time doing activities related to the arts, such as painting and playing the violin. I enjoy taking both humanities and math courses at Bronx Science- my favorite being AP Statistics and related math classes- and have co-started a tutoring organization in which I tutor younger students in mathematics. Moreover, I am a part of the Bronx Science Biology Research track, and will be completing my second summer of research work at NYU’s Steinhardt Department of Cognitive Science. There, I am able to use my language skills (as I also speak Russian and Chinese) and analytic skills to learn about cognitive learning patterns. More specifically, my lab’s research focuses on different applications of teaching and their effectiveness in learning non-native pronunciations. This research helps compare different usages of the brain in relation to learning, distinguishing, and producing new sounds. In turn, data and patterns from these experiments can be used in cognitive treatments for those with serious cognitive disabilities (such as post-stroke patients), and also can be applied to more generalized learning ideas. My research this summer will focus on using this comparison with an additional applied treatment of feedback to further investigate possible learning pattern efficiencies.

Michael Raziel is a motivated high school student passionate about making a real impact on his community through the use of technology. He cares deeply about social and political issues, striving to use modern solutions such as data analysis and engineering to address them. As the president of the Bronx Science Political Discourse Club, he has had the opportunity to research and lead healthy debates on numerous political arguments, educating himself and his peers while also considering multiple perspectives on the issues. Additionally, as a varsity Lincoln Douglas debater, Michael has displayed his communication, fast-thinking, and problem-solving skills. Cementing himself as a highly ranked debater by reaching the semifinals of the New York State Championship and placing third overall, Michael has demonstrated his strengths in analysis and debate. One global issue that Michael cares deeply about is climate change, as he believes it is critical to find ways for urban environments such as New York City to become more sustainable for the world to build a healthy future. Michael currently interns at NASA, where he works with NASA engineers and field experts on real data to develop a more comprehensive scientific understanding of the Urban Heat Island Effect, or the impact that urban environments have on the weather patterns of their surrounding areas. He is also conducting research as part of the Bronx Science Social Science Research Program to improve the methodologies for understanding online climate sentiment of the Yale Climate Communications Research Center through machine learning rather than the surveys conducted by the center. Thanks to the Brunner Award’s gracious financial support, Michael will be able to attend a Machine Learning boot camp hosted by New York University, where he will build a more intricate understanding of how machine learning can be utilized in real-world and research settings.

Hello, my name is Oscar, and I am a junior at Bronx Science. I have a passion for science and ecology, nurtured since childhood through visits to parks and gardens like Wave Hill, the New York Botanical Garden, and Central Park. I felt a connection and interest in the local flora and fauna. This bond with nature led me to seek environmental internships early in high school. I joined a woodland ecology research internship, working with a mentor and two other interns to study the relationship between arthropod abundance, vegetation diversity, and green roofs. We collected data across various green roof sites in NYC, which ignited my interest in environmental research and urban sustainability. Currently, I am taking the "Green Design" elective, where I use technology to create sustainable cities, and I am an active member of the Green Team club. This summer, I aim to further develop my research skills through an internship at the Bronx Zoo. I plan to explore specific environmental themes, such as studying chipmunk behavior or monitoring eel populations in the Bronx River. As a field research assistant, I will collaborate with fellow interns to develop a comprehensive research paper for presentation at a Consortium in January. The Brunner Award is crucial in allowing me to commute affordably to the internship site, ensuring a productive and enriching summer.

Tori Wee is a current junior at Bronx Science with a passion for the arts and the outdoors. Tori is a current member of the Cross Country and Track teams. She is also an editor for the school’s newspaper, The Science Survey, where she enjoys writing about topics that pique her interest. Tori also frequently volunteers at Key Club events and attends Crochet Club. Outside school, she loves to crochet, watch animated shows, draw, read fantasy novels, garden, and go primitive camping with her parents and twin sibling. Among her favorite books are Babel by R.F. Kuang and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. She has been going camping for the past ten years and especially enjoys the independence that comes with developing the life-long skills attached to it. 

Recently, she has tried to develop her hobbies outside of school and extracurricular activities. Tori found that they had taken a backseat to her studies after entering high school. She has taught herself how to crochet and works on improving at least a little each day by learning new stitches or working through a new project. Tori has also been working on discipline with her art by drawing more in and out of school. With the help of the Brunner Awards, she can ensure that she will continue this streak over the summer. Tori will attend classes at the Art Students League and pursue personal projects to expand her portfolio and skillset.

My name is Yiwen Xu. I am currently a junior in the Bronx High School of Science. I am in the speech squad of the speech and debate team. In my freshman year, I was inspired by a Ted Talk about pseudoarchaeology by Sarah Kurnick. So I did my speech based on that Ted Talk which explained how pseudoarchaeology is detrimental to archeology and society. This sparked my interest in archeology and anthropology. In addition, I love to visit the numerous free museums in New York City. I was impressed by the countless artifacts in those museums. Thus, I applied to the anthropology department in the universities in New York city this year for my biology research course. 

Luckily, after writing not that many emails, I was permitted to go to a research laboratory in New York University where researchers study prehistoric tool-making. I spent last summer there, learning how to conduct authentic research. I love spending my time in the lab, measuring stones in the lab while discussing Ladybug and Cat Noir with my labmate (she’s going to NYU this year!!). We also discussed the biases in research which was insightful and thoughtful. I am excited to go back to my lab this summer, both helping with measurement and starting my own project. 

Other than that, I have been a regular participant in Bronx Science Key Club and Baking Club since my freshman year. In my free time, I like to watch movies, draw, and journal. I am not always sure about my future career. But I am grateful that the Brunner Award gave me the opportunity to explore the careers of anthropologist and a science researcher.

Jinha Yoo is a junior at The Bronx High School of Science, and is part of the Math/Computer Science research program. She is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field - ultimately leading her to conduct her own independent research on cancer. This summer, she will work as a research intern at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and participate in a research program at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Additionally, she is an active member of the school community. She is a part of 4 clubs: Science Olympiad, Model UN, Key Club, and Physics Club, which she co-founded this year. She teaches students various physics topics and conducts fun experiments to make physics an enjoyable experience rather than merely a school subject. Jinha has been a member of her school's math team for three years, where she developed her skills in collaboration and problem-solving during competitions, applying them to everyday life. Her interests extend beyond STEM; she enjoys writing articles for her journalism class, focusing on arts and entertainment. She loves taking pictures for her articles and capturing moments within the school community. She appreciates the beauty of photography, as it freezes emotions and events in time, documenting the raw moments of our lives. In her free time, Jinha enjoys listening to music and playing sudoku. She is excited to pursue her many interests this summer and is grateful for the opportunities provided by the Brunner Awards to help her reach her future goals.

My name is Kevin Yu and I am a junior at Bronx High School of Science. I am a dedicated member of the Bronx Science community wishing to bring a positive impact to the school. I was born and raised in Queens alongside my older sister who has been a role model for a majority of my life. My hobbies include playing basketball and enjoying other athletic activities, leading me to join the Junior Varsity Basketball team and the Varsity Handball team. Being part of multiple sports teams has taught the importance of hardwork and dedication along with improving my leadership and communication skills. Besides my interest in sports, I am strongly interested in studying some form of engineering. This led me to apply for John Hopkins Biomedical Engineering Innovation summer program in hopes of gaining valuable experience in the field and narrowing down which type of engineering I wish to pursue in the future. One of my biggest values is being able to bring a positive impact to my community. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to cause change in my community by interning for Sandra Ung’s City Council Member Re-Election Campaign. I also bring a positive impact by actively tutoring elementary and middle school students. Witnessing improvement and growth in the youth is an extremely rewarding feeling. I am wholeheartedly grateful to Mr. Brunner and his team for making this whole opportunity possible!

Hello, my name is Ryley Zhang. I’m a junior at Bronx Science and was born and raised in Queens, NY. I’m passionate about science, particularly physics and engineering. At school, my favorite extracurricular is playing on the varsity tennis team, where I enjoy the challenge of competition and the supportive environment. Outside of school, some of my activities include teaching underprivileged children tennis, tutoring middle schoolers for the SHSAT, and working as a board member of K-HOPE, a donation organization. This summer, I am excited to conduct mechanical engineering research under a mentor at a lab within NYU Tandon, as well as working as a ball person for the US Open. In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, hanging out with friends, binging shows, and catching up on much-needed sleep.

My name is Cindy Zou and I am currently a junior at Bronx Science. I am from Queens, NY. I enjoy reading, listening to music (or creating my own!), crocheting, and hanging out with family and friends. I am also interested in various STEM fields, and I would love to pursue a career in civil engineering. Growing up in New York City, I often found myself amazed by the architecture surrounding me; the bridges, buildings, apartments, roads, and tunnels seemed to stretch endlessly. At Bronx Science, I had the opportunity to learn more about the field through relevant classes and extracurriculars. My experiences with robotics provided opportunities for me to work with others with similar interests. I am also in the research program at the school, and I look forward to finalizing my project regarding fracture mechanics and iterated function systems (i.e. fractals!)

Besides physics and engineering, I have always loved learning biology and earth science. Last summer, I worked with other students to create a community garden in Queens, providing free and accessible produce for the surrounding neighborhood. I also learned about hydroponics, helping to build a sustainable hydroponic tower garden. Pursuing my interest in environmental studies, I started to volunteer at the Queens Botanical Garden. As a discovery guide at the garden, my role involves demonstrating kits and activities to visitors. I teach children about the garden, answering any questions that they may have. I also work with other volunteers to help visitors. The Brunner Awards will help me with my commute to the garden this season!