Four students from North Bergen High School secured top distinctions during the Jersey City Medical Center/RWJBarnabas Health STEM Showcase Awards Ceremony held March 23 at Liberty Science Center. The event included more than 400 participants from across the region who presented original research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
- Four North Bergen High School students received top awards at the Jersey City Medical Center/RWJBarnabas Health STEM Showcase held March 23 at Liberty Science Center, competing among more than 400 regional participants.
- The students conduct graduate-level independent research through North Bergen High School’s Independent Scientific Research Honors course taught by Dr. Krista Welz.
- Participation in the course requires students to complete a full research process, including literature review, proposal development, data analysis, scholarly writing, and formal presentation.
Independent Scientific Research Honors Course
The students honored at the event participate in North Bergen High School’s Research Honors program through the Independent Scientific Research Honors course taught by Dr. Krista Welz. The course requires students to complete original research comparable to graduate-level study. Students start with a literature review and research proposal, then move through data analysis, academic writing, and a formal presentation of their findings. Enrollment in the course is required for students who compete in the STEM Showcase.
Research Examining Fungal Response To Radiation
Cristian Leon Lorenzo received a Bronze Medal during the competition and also earned the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2026 Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award.
His research focused on the biological responses of melanized fungi when exposed to radiation. During the study, Lorenzo found that Stachybotrys chartarum changes its growth pattern and increases pigmentation when subjected to ultraviolet light. The findings provide groundwork for further investigation into fungi capable of responding to radiation.
Prototype Developed For Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing Drivers
Eduard Culajay Xajil and Melanie Chauca received Silver Medals for their project involving a modular siren detection prototype intended to assist deaf and hard-of-hearing drivers.
Their design introduced a C++-based detection system that identifies approaching emergency vehicles. The system communicates alerts through both visual signals and haptic feedback. Testing results showed a 68.48 percent success rate along with an average latency of 45.18 milliseconds, which meets emergency reaction time thresholds.
Platinum Award And International Competition
Ana Ordonez earned the highest recognition at the event, receiving a Platinum Award together with the Regeneron Biomedical Science Award.
She was also selected as a finalist for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2026. The international competition will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, from May 9 through May 15. Ordonez will represent both North Bergen High School and Hudson County.
Ordonez created a standardized tactile labeling system for prescription medication bottles. The design includes universal disease icons and raised dosage indicators intended for individuals with visual impairment or low vision. Her research demonstrated that this tactile system reduces medication errors and improves patient compliance when compared with conventional prescription labels that rely on printed text.
District Leaders Respond To Student Achievements
Superintendent of Schools Dr. George Solter said the students’ accomplishments demonstrate strong academic ability and dedication while also showing the district’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation. He said the district is proud of all four students and recognized Ordonez as the first student from North Bergen to advance to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair.
Dr. Jared Keshishian, director of STEM and STEAM at North Bergen High School, said the research conducted by the students shows curiosity, perseverance and interest in discovery. He said the projects also address real-world problems with innovative solutions and that the school community anticipates Ordonez representing North Bergen at the international competition.
