Three Smithtown Juniors Have Been Awarded a Simons Summer Research Fellowship at Stony Brook University

Valentine Esposito and HSE Research Teacher Maria Trinkle

(SMITHTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT) - Congratulations to Valentine Esposito, Reena Glaser and Jessica Noviello. Only 32 juniors are selected to participate in this prestigious program which receives applications from students throughout the country. According to a Simons release, the program "gives academically talented, motivated high school students who are between their junior & senior years the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in science, math or engineering at Stony Brook University. Simons Fellows work with distinguished faculty mentors, learn laboratory techniques and tools, become part of active research teams, and experience life at a research university." Along with this wonderful opportunity, a $1000 stipend will be awarded to each participant. Dr. Joanne Figueiredo, coordinator of the research program at West, believes that Reena and Jessica are dedicated students that epitomize a positive work ethic. Dr. Figueiredo stated that the knowledge that Reena and Jessica acquire at Stony Brook this summer will enhance their senior year experiences. Reena Glaser will be working with Dr. Marcia Simon and Dr. Miriam Rifailovich and Jessica Noviello will be working with Dr. David Krause. According to Ms. Trinkle, coordinator of the program at East, “Valentine is an exceptional student who goes above and beyond what is required to meet with success in a research setting. Her commitment to excellence is impeccable. Her affable nature makes her a joy to work with, and I anticipate much success for this lovely young lady.”