Senator Martins & Legislator Nicolello Congratulate Manhasset Students on Winning National Science Research Competition

Jack M. Martins

December 22, 2015

     Senator Jack M. Martins (R-7th Senate District) and Nassau County Legislator Rich Nicolello recently visited Manhasset School to congratulate Christine Yoo and Kimberly Te on winning the Siemens Competition in Math, Science, & Technology.

     The Siemens Competition in Math, Science, & Technology is one of the nation’s premiere science research competitions for high school students. According to the Siemens Foundation, the competition seeks to promote excellence by encouraging students to undertake individual or team research projects. Additionally, it fosters intensive research that improves students' understanding of the value of scientific study and informs their consideration of future careers in these disciplines.

      For their award winning entry, Christine and Kimberly created microbial fuel cells designed to clean up oil spills or provide power to developing countries by speeding up the breakdown of sediment and other matter.  As winners, they received a $100,000 scholarship.

     “Being named two of the country’s top young scientists is an amazing honor for Christine and Kimberly.  With the help of their teachers, who provided them with guidance and support, these two brilliant young women have very bright futures ahead of them. Congratulations to Christine, Kimberly, and the Manhasset School District on this incredible achievement,’ said Senator Martins.

     “I am proud to congratulate Christine and Kimberly on their achievement in winning this year's Siemens Competition and for representing Manhasset High School and the 1.3 million people of Nassau County in this national event", said Legislator Nicolello. "Both Christine and Kimberly have an exceptionally bright future and will assuredly make a real difference in our society."

      Senator Martins (left) and Legislator Nicolello (second left) are pictured as they congratulate Manhasset High School students Christine Yoo (third left) and Kimberly Te (center) on winning the national Siemens Competition in Math, Science, & Technology.  They are joined by (l-r) Alison Huenger, Christine and Kimberly’s Science Research Advisor, Principal Dr. Dean Schlanger, and Tom Elkins, District Coordinator for Science, Technology, and Health.