New Liberty ‘Star’ Scholars to Present at the Massachusetts Region IV Science and Engineering Fair Friday
Repeat of four scholars marks second straight appearance for New Liberty Innovation School
SALEM (Mar. 6, 2024) – Three sophomores and one freshman from the New Liberty Innovation School will present their research projects at the Massachusetts Region IV High School Science and Engineering Fair Friday, Mar. 7, at Tufts University.
Sophomores Wilver Serrano, Nevin Lebron, and Zachary El Dagany will join freshman Christopher Lemus and biomedical/biotechnology educator Dr. Brenda Goodrum.
“They’re star students, doing great work,” said Dr. Goodrum. “They’re very inquisitive, attentive and curious. It is nice to see the maturations and self confidence.”
The Region IV Science Fair is one of six regional fairs that serve as qualifying competitions for the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF), May 10-16 in Columbus, Ohio, and the statewide competition, the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF). At the Region IV Competition, the top 2 projects are nominated for the ISEF, and the top 40 projects advance to the MSEF Friday, Apr. 4 at Gillette Stadium.
The appearance marks the second straight year New Liberty is represented at the Region IV Science Fair. Last year, four scholars – Tyrone Manifold, Shanay Love, Johana Rodriguez and Antonio Justo – became the first-ever cohort from New Liberty to present at the Fair.
“It really gives them huge self esteem,” Dr. Goodrum noted. “The kids who went last year are more confident in their academics and have skills to reflect on. Not many of them have done postgraduate research, and that’s what they’re doing.”
Dr. Goodrum originally had a group of students entered in the 2020 Fair, only to be canceled by the Covid-19 outbreak.
The presentations are as follows:
- Wilver Serrano: How Does Noise Cancelling Work and How Are Noise Cancelling Headphones Made? (Engineering and Environmental category)
- Christopher Lemus: Using Filters to Limit Greenhouse Factory Emissions (Earth and Environmental Science category)
- Nevin Lebron: Can Slime Mold Be Used to Kill Bacteria As a Disinfectant? (Biology: Cellular, Molecular or Microbiology category)
- Zachary El Dagany: Using A.I. Security to Increase Safety in Schools (Computer Science and Technology category)
“Our students’ dedication, hard work, and curiosity are on full display in their science fair projects,” said Jamaal Camah, Principal at New Liberty. “I’m extremely proud of their efforts to apply classroom learning to the real world. As a school, we are thrilled that they have an amazing opportunity to showcase their learning to other students and the science community. Dr. Goodrum has done an incredible job in preparing our students for this day.”
The Region IV Fair was launched in 2006.
The New Liberty students’ representation in the Fair is aligned with the 2023-26 Strategic Plan’s core priorities, particularly elevating learning and strengthening the District’s foundation.
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
