Editor’s note: This press release was provided by Pelham Science Research. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.
PELHAM, NY – A huge congratulations to all the students from the Pelham Memorial High School (PMHS) Science Research Program who participated in and helped prepare for the 2025 Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF)! This year’s competition, held in Somers, NY, saw over 750 students from 47 schools in Westchester and Rockland counties showcase their groundbreaking research.
PMHS students demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and scientific prowess, with many earning top awards. Steven Beltecas, director of the PMHS Science Research Program, praised the students for their hard work and dedication. “Whether you placed or not, every one of you has grown as a researcher and scholar, and we’re incredibly proud of your efforts. Thank you for representing our school with excellence, and we look forward to seeing where your research journey takes you next.”
Category Awards:
First Place: Justin Cohen; Kira Findikyan
Second Place: Chris Miklitsch; Malachy Pearlman; Rediet Assefa
Third Place: Axel Robinson
Fourth Place: Dennis Condon; Maddie Pachella; Marin Caiola; Samantha Bonanno
Special Awards (chosen by judges in the field): Emily Xu; Kieran Normoyle; Judy Brandler; Sasha Herzog; Zoe Pursel
Senior Kira Findikyan achieved an extraordinary milestone, earning a coveted spot at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) after an outstanding performance at WESEF. Findikyan’s research, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Domenico Tortorella at Mount Sinai, focuses on improving treatment options for cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals. Her findings identified optimal dosages for two novel therapeutics that combat CMV proliferation as effectively as FDA-approved treatments while requiring up to 96% less therapeutic, potentially reducing severe side effects and improving patient outcomes.
“I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to present at ISEF and learn from the world’s best young scientists,” said Findikyan. “None of this would have been possible without the constant support from my family, my peers, Dr. Domenico Tortorella and Dr. Lori Tortorella, Kristina Atanasoff, Mr. DiBello, Dr. Callahan, Mr. Beltecas, and AMPLIFY. It truly takes a village!”
ISEF, the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition, will provide Findikyan with the opportunity to present her research on an international stage, competing alongside top young scientists from around the globe. The Regeneron ISEF 2025 will take place in Columbus, Ohio, from May 10-16, 2025.
Congratulations to all our students on their incredible achievements at WESEF 2025! Your hard work and passion for scientific discovery continue to inspire us all. We look forward to supporting Kira Findikyan as she prepares to compete on the international stage at ISEF!
