Three local student researchers have been selected to present their original aerospace research at a premier national space science conference in Virginia this December.

Current high school senior Emily Bella, along with recent graduates Julianna Boncore and Alisha Izzy, will present their findings at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research (ASGSR) annual conference. The event runs Dec. 2–5 in Crystal City, Virginia.

The professional conference brings together top scientists, engineers, and educators from NASA and global research institutions to discuss the future of space exploration.  This year's theme is "From Atoms to Astronauts: Transformative Science for a New Era of Exploration"

The students earned their invitations based on rigorous scientific projects they developed during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Boncore, currently a freshman studying in the physician assistant program at Daemen University, will present an individual project titled, "Biodegradable, Nitrogen-Flushed Storage to Minimize Oxidation and Photodegradation of Sensitive Medications." Her research focuses on preserving critical pharmaceuticals during extended space travel by utilizing specialized nitrogen environments to block light and oxygen damage.

Bella and Izzy will co-present a project titled, "A Proposed Nutritional Supplement to Mitigate and Prevent Negative Human Health Impacts of Radiation During Long-Duration Space Flight." Izzy is currently a biomedical engineering freshman at Binghamton University. The duo developed a theoretical dietary supplement aimed at shielding astronauts from dangerous biological radiation encountered during deep-space missions.

We are incredibly proud of Emily, Julianna, and Alisha for taking their high school research to a professional, national stage! Please join us in congratulating them and wishing them the best of luck as they travel to Virginia this December to represent our district!