Recent District graduate Julianna O’Neill and science research program teacher Dana Schaefer are headed to the red carpet. The duo, in collaboration with two West Islip High School students and Brookhaven National Laboratory SPARK Program coordinator Dr. Sharon Pepenella, created an informational video through BNL as part of a 2024 Earth Day event, which has now been nominated for a New York State Emmy Award under the Teen 13-19 Long or Short Content category.

Titled, “Students SPARK Local Microplastics Research,” the video recorded a discussion about the SPARK Program and the environmental concern surrounding microplastics, which has been the focus of several of the science research program’s SPARK projects over the last few years. The video also highlights Julianna’s experience at the National Synchrotron Light Source II and how the facility and the BNL scientists have helped her develop and carry out her work analyzing microplastics. The video debuted on BNL’s website on Earth Day 2024 and can be viewed at the following link: Click here to view the Youtube Video..

The winners of the NYS Emmy will be revealed during a ceremony on Oct. 11.

“This was a wonderful way to culminate three years of Julianna’s work at BNL analyzing these microplastics and is the crowning achievement for a very successful high school career in scientific research,” Ms. Schaefer said.

The District congratulates Julianna and Ms. Schaefer on this outstanding accomplishment and extends best wishes for success in garnering a NYS Emmy.