Two Sacred Heart Greenwich seniors were honored for their scientific research into primates at the Bronx Zoo.
Seniors Kelly Heinzerling of Greenwich and Grace Passannante of Rye, N.Y. plan to continue their research after they graduate and head their separate ways to college – Kelly to the University of Pennsylvania and Grace to Hamilton College.
The students were recognized as this year’s winners of the Acorda Scientific Excellence Award at a recent ceremony held at the office of Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino in White Plains, N.Y. Mr. Astorino joined with representatives of Acorda Therapeutics, sponsors of the award, and Greenwich broadcaster Lisa Wexler to recognize the winners, who were interviewed live on AM 1490 WGCH.
“In this global economy, the jobs not only of tomorrow, but of today, call for a solid grounding in science, technology, engineering and math,” Mr. Astorino said. “I am proud to join in supporting STEM education and congratulate these students on their groundbreaking research.” Awards were presented to 19 high school students, 16 from Westchester.
Acorda Therapeutics, a biotechnology company based in Ardsley, N.Y., launched the program in 2014 as a way to spotlight some of the impressive scientific research being done by students, thereby supporting the next generation of scientists and encouraging them to consider careers in related fields.
Kelly and Grace have studied primate research within the Sacred Heart Science Research Program, which provided them with additional opportunities to work with scientists at New York University and the Bronx Zoo. The title of their project is “The Effect of Zoo Visitors and Noise Levels on the Stereotypies of Gorillas in Captivity.” Stereotypies are self-destructive behaviors, such as repetitive pacing, scratching and regurgitation, which result from stress or boredom. They will present their findings to the Bronx Zoo to assist in improving the welfare of captive gorillas.
