New Rochelle Students Advance to International Science and Engineering Fair
New Rochelle High School seniors Scarlett Hartzman and Carlos Del Aguila have earned a second straight trip to the International Science and Engineering Fair after placing in the top 20 out of 827 competitors at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair.
They will compete at the international fair in Phoenix, Ariz., May 9-15.
Scarlett’s project explored potential travel routes for rovers on Mars and identified geological targets for future human missions to Mars. Carlos’s project focused on how a federal food assistance program affects quality of life across the United States.
“I’m extremely grateful and beyond excited to represent New Rochelle High School at ISEF,” said Scarlett, who won in the physics and astronomy category. “I love my field of research and hope to one day work in the space industry where I can help bring the first humans to Mars.”
Carlos, who won in the behavioral science category, said “ISEF is the greatest opportunity a student can have to not only share their findings, but also to be surrounded by other science-driven students like oneself. I’m excited to meet and interact with the international community.”
New Rochelle Science Research Program Coordinator Erica Curran praised Scarlett and Carlos, the first two New Rochelle students to advance to ISEF two consecutive years.
“Scarlett and Carlos have worked tirelessly for years on their research, and their awards are well deserved,” Curran said. “They are both making meaningful, impressive contributions to the body of research in their field. We are so proud that they will be representing New Rochelle High School and our research program.”
New Rochelle Science Research sent 48 research students to WESEF, the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair, this year, the highest number in the program’s history. In addition, New Rochelle had the greatest number of students winning first through third place medals, and the greatest number of first place winners of any participating school with five overall.
Scarlett, salutatorian for the Class of 2026, has devoted much of her time in high school to science research and musical pursuits, but she has made time for fun. Among other things, she founded the Crochet Club and the Robotics Club, and participates in the Chess Club.She has also won numerous awards for her science research.
Carlos, who will be the first in his family to attend college, is a Questbridge Scholar and will attend Harvard University to study applied mathematics with a focus on sociology. He is President of New Rochelle High School Student Government.