Science Students Dominate Sigma Xi IFoRE 2024 with Outstanding Research
The Science Research Program students from the Palm Beach campus of American Heritage Schools achieved remarkable success at the 2024 International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE), hosted by Sigma Xi. This prestigious event brought together over 200 high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to present groundbreaking research in one of the most competitive scientific forums.
Known for its rigorous judging process and limited awards, IFoRE is a platform where only first-place winners are recognized in each of the 13 discipline-specific and 10 interdisciplinary categories. Despite the fierce competition, the students from Heritage Palm Beach secured an incredible 12 awards, earning nearly half of the total prizes in the Poster Presentation competition.
Dr. Brittnee McDole, Science Research Program Director at American Heritage Schools, expressed her pride and amazement at the students’ accomplishments. “This is one of the most challenging competitions to win an award,” said Dr. McDole. “I would have been happy to win just a few, but our students had other plans! By the end of the award ceremony, we were bringing home close to half of the awards given. Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off.”
The students were recognized in both discipline-specific and interdisciplinary categories, as well as a People’s Choice Award, further showcasing the breadth and impact of their research.
Poster Presentations
Discipline-Specific First Place Awards ($100 prize and Sigma Xi Membership):
- Maya Behura (12th grade): Category - Physiology and Immunology
- John (Jack) Staton (12th grade): Category - Geosciences
- Daniela Staton (11th grade): Category - Anthropology
- Bhav Jain (10th grade): Category - Engineering
- Devesh Kumaresh (10th grade): Category - Physiology and Immunology
Interdisciplinary First Place Awards ($200 prize and Sigma Xi Membership):
- Maya Behura (12th grade): Category - Human Health
- Bhav Jain (10th grade): Category - Environmental Challenges
- Zohar Eshet (12th grade): Category - Understanding the Universe
- Dishika Parikh (12th grade): Category - Engineering
- Devesh Kumaresh (10th grade): Category - Human Health
- Shengwu (Tony) Luo (11th grade): Category - Tools for Science, Education, and Personalized Learning
People’s Choice Award:
- Kayli Harris (12th grade)
Dr. McDole highlighted the vital role of faculty and school support in enabling students to excel in such competitions. She credited Dr. Laurie and Mrs. Wood for fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive. “Our Research Program truly provides life-changing experiences and opportunities for students,” Dr. McDole added. “It’s inspiring to see other scientists in awe of our students’ work and the resources we provide to help them succeed.”
Sigma Xi, the world’s largest multidisciplinary honor society for scientists and engineers, hosts IFoRE annually to showcase innovative research across diverse fields. The event features rigorous evaluation by expert judges and opportunities to network with esteemed researchers. Winners are inducted as Sigma Xi members, joining a legacy of scientific excellence shared by over 200 Nobel laureates.
Congratulations to the American Heritage Palm Beach students for their exceptional achievements and contributions to advancing science and research.