Herricks seniors Chloe Chang and Kayla Sohn each won first place awards at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair and will be representing the state at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta, Georgia from May 7-13.

Chang’s winning project tested two chemicals found in tea and found that they could prevent infection with COVID-19. The spike protein on the surface of the COVID-19 virus attaches to a human cell and injects its genetic information, possibly leading to cellular death. However, Chang discovered that tea chemicals, EGCG and TF3, have unique shapes which can bind to the spike protein, thereby blocking its attachment to the human cell. She also found that these chemicals can reduce the rate of cell death after infection.

In a world where computers are becoming a larger part of our lives, and our waters more polluted, Kayla’s winning project uses computers to develop a solution for the removal of estradiol, a water pollutant. Sohn wrote code to search a database and taught herself how to use visual imaging software to propose a filter for the contaminant estradiol. Her research could lead to an easy, cheap, and environmentally friendly filter for this pollutant, while also spreading the limitless applications of data science.

“Kayla and Chloe are not only exceptional scientists but are incredible individuals,” said Caitlin Etri, Science Research Coordinator for Herricks and mentor to the seniors. “Both are lifelong learners who are already laying the foundation for future scientific advancements that can pave the way for a healthier future,” stated Etri. “I am proud of who they are as both researchers and people. They both have worked tirelessly on their projects and have spent months of dedicated time engaging in these important fields of research. I know their enthusiasm and passion will shine through at ISEF! I wish them the best of luck. It has been a privilege and an honor to work with them.”