Sophomores

Keerthi is a sophomore at Carmel High School. She joined the science research program to learn more about a topic that she could possible continue in college. Keerthi has a passion for science and was excited at the opportunity to join the science research program. Keerthi is interested in genetics and how it affects an individual’s characteristics. Keerthi is interested in using computational models as part of her project. Keerthi hopes to learn a lot during the year in science research. Keerthi is a part of the Carmel Varsity Tennis team and she participates in multiple clubs in school such as science club, Interact, Tri-M, and Mock Trial.

Washington is a sophomore in science research. Currently he is interested the human lifespan, genetics and evolution. Washington hopes to learn about his topics of interest in science research as well as improve on skills such as organization and creative thinking. He is also interested in math, engineering and in the future he plans on entering the engineering field. In his free time Washington likes to listen to classical music and play the clarinet. Washington hopes his research will help the advancement of technology. 

Marko Borovyk is a sophomore in Carmel Science Research. In the three-year program, Marko hopes to research the relationship between body types and sports performance. Marko is interested in this field of research because he noticed that in track, professional athletes that race in the same event have a similar appearance and he wanted to know if certain body types are better for some sports. Marko is interested in the Science Research program because of his love for science and also the freedom that the class bestows upon him. When Marko is not in school he enjoys running, soccer, tennis and being with his friends. Marko is eager to see what this class has in store for him. 

Allison Burns is a sophomore in the Carmel Science Research program. Allison would like to conduct her research project on animal behavior and cognition. She would like to focus on aquatic animals, and possibly ways to help endangered populations. She is also considering conducting an observational analysis on aquatic animal behaviors. She may also conduct an experiment on therapy animals and their ability to help people. Allison is hoping to learn a lot through the science research program and gain more confidence in public speaking. She is looking forward to her future years within the program. 

Angie Calero is a sophomore enrolled in Science Research. She entered this class in order to pursue the topic of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and dreams. REM sleep is the stage of sleep when an individual experiences the most dreams. Individuals can have dreams outside of REM sleep, but the dreams are not as vivid. Angie believes that dreams are an incredible and mysterious occurrence. If one is deprived of dreams, one’s physical and emotional health may decline and Angie wants to determine why that can happen. Angie likes to challenge herself in sports like soccer, track and bowling. She participates in after school activities like Film Club and Rock Club as well.

Riley Casey is a sophomore Science Research student, who is planning to research the psychology of running. He is interested in other topics, such as shark studies and myopia. Riley joined Science Research because he loves the fact that he is free to research almost anything he wants, and believes it will help improve his public speaking skills. Riley is excited to learn new interesting skills, which motivate him to learn even more and work harder. Some of Riley’s interests outside of class is running on the Carmel Cross Country and Track teams, and learning how to play the electric bass.

 Juliette Cox is currently a sophomore at Carmel High School. She is particularly fascinated with science and plans to conduct research involved neuroscience and the brain. Her interests include neurological diseases and their possible cures, the psychology behind criminal behavior, and neurotechnology (i.e.: advancements in technology used for and involving the brain). She enjoys reading about breakthroughs and new information regarding theses fields of study. Her decision to take the course was based off her enjoyment for science and intention to strengthen existing academic and personal skills that will aid her in the future. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her friends.

Ryan Doherty is a sophomore in the Carmel Science Research Program, Ryan has always had a passion for science and he is excited to be creative with his research topic. Science Research appealed to Ryan because he hopes to develop his public speaking skills, communication and apply the knowledge he has learned to a real-world setting. Currently, Ryan hopes to study the effect of substance abuse on cellular communication in the human body. Outside of Science Research, Ryan runs for Carmel Cross Country and Track & Field. He also is in Book Club, Science Club, and Interact Club. In the future, Ryan hopes to be microbiologist and conduct related research. 

Deirdre Farrell is a sophomore in Carmel Science Research. She joined the program to further her scientific knowledge and acquire skills applicable to the career she wants to pursue. She feels that taking a class focused on research would be useful for a career in medical science. Presently, she is interested in concussions and its effects on those who were injured Specifically, she is concentrated on the impact of concussion on academic and sports performance. Outside of school, Deirdre likes to play music, cuddle her cats, illustrate, and read. In addition, she enjoys learning about the world around her, visiting museums, historical sites, and natural sites.

Stefani Frank is a sophomore enrolled in Carmel Science Research. She wants to take the class because she loves science and likes to challenge herself.  Stefani is interested in psychology and ecology. She is interested in being a pediatrician. Stefani would like to complete a project that can inform people about climate change and its effect on animals and people. She is interested in conducting a research project on the environment and how humans are affecting it. She loves learning about our Earth, and how it has changed throughout human’s inhabitation and believes it is an important, prevalent topic. She hopes to find a topic that she is very passionate about and pursue it.

Madelyn McMath is a sophomore in Carmel High School. She joined science research because she hopes to improve skills like presenting, researching and speaking with professionals. She also chose science research because this class gives her the freedom to research topic that interest her not offered in other classes. She is currently researching personality associated with distance runners. She chose this topic because it affects her and many people around her. Outside of science research, Madelyn enjoys running, basketball and art.

Lauren O'Rourke is a sophomore science research student. She plans on researching topics related to sports psychology, moods, and eating habits. Lauren has been reading many articles about how eating habits are affected by mood. She choses to take the science research course because she has always been interested in anything science related, likes to take classes that challenge her and wants to pursue a career that is related to science. Additionally, Lauren is part of the Carmel cross country and track and field team. Outside of school, Lauren participates in youth court and dance. Lauren is very excited to begin her research project and for the upcoming year in the class. 

Delilah Polanco is a sophomore in the Carmel Science Research program. She is currently researching the field of psychology. She is taking the course because she wants to study psychology in depth and will hopefully pursue a career related to it. She is interested in the mind and its mysteries and how mental health effects daily life. Delilah wishes to incorporate morals and ethics as well as forensic psychology into her research. Outside of school, you can see her drawing, constantly reading and writing. As of right now she is still gathering future research questions and project ideas. 

Ally Paradiso is a sophomore in Carmel High School. She participates in the Best Buddies, Italian American Club and Student Ambassador. She has loved science all her life and is very excited to develop a research project over the course of this year in Science Research. Her interests currently reside with the study of mindfulness medication and how it can possibly benefit all different kinds of people. She is also interested in seeing how mindfulness medication could potentially help those with certain types of disorders. This year she hopes to make an effectual research project while also acquiring knowledge on many relevant studies in science today. 

Julia Przydzial is fifteen years old and a sophomore attending Carmel High School. Currently, she is interested in studying long term memory and its reliability when different factors are introduced. Another area of research she would like to study is how long it takes for different school subjects to become considered a long-term memory. She is taking science research in order to learn more about a student’s mind and memory. Outside of school, Julia participates in dance, plays several instruments, such as the piano, guitar and violin, she also enjoys reading in her spare time. Furthermore, she partakes in after school clubs such as French club and yearbook club.

Amanda Purr is a sophomore in Carmel Science Research. She is interested in the field of psychology and is intrigued by the study of human behavior. She wants to further investigate what external factors influence one’s actions and behavior. Through the Science Research program, Amanda hopes to pursue a project that can help her to learn more about the world around her. Amanda joined the program because she has always had an interest in science and was looking forward to pursuing a project of her choice. Outside of Science Research, Amanda enjoys playing the piano and clarinet and participating in different clubs after school, such as the school musical.

Jaclyn is a sophomore currently enrolled in the science research program at Carmel High School. She is taking science research to develop research skills and work with scientists in her field of study. Jaclyn plans on researching accessibility that companies provide for people with disabilities and ways to improve accessibility. She plans on working with the staff at Camp Herrlich in order to develop a research project. Her favorite subjects are art and science. Jaclyn is involved in both Carmel Future Business Leaders of America and art club. She enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her sister and two dogs.

Spencer Schmidt is a sophomore in science research. Science research has always interested him since he first heard about the program because it provides an opportunity to learn about his favorite field of science. Spencer plans on conducting a research project related to skiing. He hopes to learn more about how skiing affects the physical well-being of elders. Spencer is an avid skier on two race teams and is always at Thunder Ridge throughout the winter. Spencer cannot wait for what is to come within science research in the next year. 

Danielle Shanny is a sophomore and part of Carmel Science Research. She joined the program because of her interest in learning about economics. Science research gives her the opportunity to pursue her passions. She hopes to conduct a research project on how student debt impacts society. She also hopes to discover more about finances and business. Additionally, she likes science research because it teaches her independence. Unlike other classes, students have the freedom to work on what interest them and Danielle likes having this freedom. Outside of school, Danielle enjoys playing music and volunteering. She also enjoys participating in clubs, such as science club and interact club. 

Leah Vaidian is a sophomore in Carmel Science Research. She would like to conduct a research project relating to mental health. Her current interests include how mental health affects other health conditions and what factors play a role in altering one's mental health. Leah is taking this course tin order to help people, specifically those who struggle with psychological conditions. She also would like to better herself by learning how to properly conduct a research project and become more independent. Leah believes that the Carmel Science Research course will help her gain other important skills, including presentation etiquette and better research techniques. Leah looks forward to her future in Science Research. 

Greta Vaughn is a sophomore in the Science Research program. Greta is currently interested in herd instinct and mob mentality in human psychology. This choice of topic was inspired by an innate curiosity and interest in the behavioral patterns of those around her. Child rights have always been an interesting topic; making sure no child has to suffer injustice or is robbed of a better future. Currently, Greta is gathering information and developing her research question. When she's not studying or reading, Greta is running or working. Greta hopes to conduct a meaningful experiment.