Science Research

Program Overview

This is a three-year program at Horace Greeley High School, which only selects the most driven students. This highly selective program is offered to motivated sophomores who will pursue a topic of interest and focus on that topic during the first year. They will then reach out to researchers in their field to help them complete original research under the guidance and direction of the mentor.  We work remotely with the mentor to help the student analyze data, write their research paper, apply to competitions and prepare their poster/slide decks for presentations. Students will present their research at various high school competitions, and are encouraged to assist/present with the mentor at conferences, apply for publications if the mentor deems it a possibility for publication. 

Why should you mentor Greeley Research Students?

Students are encouraged to only reach out to their mentors if they can exhibit an understanding of the research. They go through multiple one on one meetings with us every two weeks to ensure the student is making progress in their work and assisting the mentor in any way they can. We have had students recognized both at the national and international levels every year, had students accepted into international and local conferences which are typically only open to graduate students, and have had multiple students accepted in peer reviewed journal articles as 1st for 2nd authors with their mentors.  We strive to have our student researchers help you complete original research that is a shared passion with you.  Please fill out the google form linked here to get more information about our program and/or to ask questions.

Calendar will be updated in August 2026. 

Introduction to Research Sophomore Year

This highly selective program is offered to motivated sophomores who will pursue a topic of interest and focus on that topic during the first year. The course covers literary search techniques, oral and written presentation skills, problem-solving, and experimental design. Students will be prepared to pursue independent research after finding a mentor and then plan out their research project together. Students must acquire a mentor to continue to advanced science research junior and senior year. Students will present a research plan at the Horace Greeley Symposium and at the Somers Science Fair in early June.

Advanced Research I Junior Year

This course is intended for students who have completed the Introduction to Science Research course. It offers them the opportunity to work on an independent research project. Students are encouraged to work with mentors from the scientific community. Students will complete a research paper in the fall and then create research presentations in poster format for WESEF and JSHS. In the spring, a research presentation will be required in poster format at the Horace Greeley High School Science Research Symposium. Students will check the Student Life Canvas page in June for the summer assignment. Students must work at least five hours outside of scheduled class per week.

Advanced Research II- Senior Year

Students in this course will focus on communicating their science research projects in three formats: oral presentation, written paper, and poster presentation. Students must submit their research papers and posters to local, regional, statewide, and national competitions, including Regeneron Science Talent Search, JSHS, and WESEF is mandatory. Students must also participate in the Horace Greeley High School Science Research Symposium in the Spring. The time commitment in the Fall of Senior year can be significant. Seniors will also mentor the sophomores and juniors to ensure those just starting their research journey are provided another level of assistance.

"One of the most rewarding parts of this program is the opportunity to truly get to know the students over the course of three years—not just as learners, but as individuals. Watching them grow and evolve as researchers, from the initial spark of choosing a topic to the increasing sophistication of their posters from 10th to 12th grade, is a unique and deeply fulfilling experience."

Mrs. Amy Pirro, Ms. Priya Patel-Ma, Mr. Jerry Zupan