Students Present Scientific Findings at Teatown Symposium

The first graduating class of high school students from Teatown Lake Reservation’s unique new summer science program, Teatown’s Environmental Science Academy (TESA), presented their research findings at a symposium in front of an engaged audience last Friday.

There were 11 students in the four-week program which ran from July 1 to July 26.  Under the guidance of Dr. Mike Rubbo, Teatown’s Director of Conservation Science and Hillary Seiner, Teatown’s Assistant Conservation Scientist, the students began the program by learning the ecology of local plants, animals, and habitats and the scientific method.  Students then developed a research project based on observations conducted at Teatown’s preserve.

The students, eight girls and three boys, were from various high schools in the area including, Blind Brook High School, Fox Lane High School, Irvington High School, Ossining High School, Sleepy Hollow High School, The Hackley School and Yorktown High School.  Each student selected their own topic for study; projects included, “The Influence of Japanese Stilt Grass on the Eastern Chipmunk”,   “Water Quality Characteristics of Vernay Lake”, “The Influence of Road Proximity on Forest Structure”, “The Relationship Between Macroinvertebrates and Water Quality in Streams”, “Characteristics of Pileated Woodpecker Foraging Sites”, and “Effects of a Common Insecticide on an Artificial Pond Ecosystem.”

TESA student Alex Belchou commented that he developed “a much stronger appreciation for environmental science as a result of the program.”

Students presented their findings at a formal symposium where they exhibited maturity and poise.  One of the spectators in the audience at the symposium remarked afterwards, “While listening to the presentations, I was thinking, ‘Some of these young people may really make a difference in the world someday.’”

Dr. Rubbo is ecstatic at the remarkable transformation in these young scientists saying, “We knew this program could help introduce young people with an interest in environmental science to concepts and field research to which they would not otherwise be exposed.  After watching them complete the program, I am amazed at how much they accomplished within such a short timeframe and how committed they were to the work.  It would not surprise me if this program helped shape their future educational and career choices.  I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The student presentations are available on Teatown’s web site located at www.teatown.org.

Adam Stone

Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.