King School’s first annual STEM Research Symposium brought together students, families, and faculty on Monday, May 18, for an evening dedicated to scientific discovery, innovation, and academic excellence. Held in the Performing Arts Center, the event celebrated the accomplishments of student researchers across the upper school science program while establishing what organizers hope will become a lasting King tradition.

Hosted by Director of Science Research Victoria Schulman, the symposium highlighted the work of Advanced Science Program for Independent Research and Engineering (ASPIRE) students earning a STEM Distinction, honored winners of the 2026 King Upper School Science Fair, and welcomed the newest members of ASPIRE with a jacketing ceremony.

Sowa Laryea-Adjei ’26 opened the senior presentations with a project inspired by his home country of Ghana. Working with Schulman and Innovation Lab Coordinator Mike Fischthal in the Honors STEM Research Elective course, Sowa developed a field-based water testing device designed for use in resource-poor communities. His research focused on creating accessible tools to improve water safety and public health in underserved regions.

Dillon Maltese ’26 presented research completed during his ASPIRE internship at Weill Cornell Medical College in Dr. Jeffrey Milsom’s surgical device lab. Dillon engineered a voice-controlled robotic arm intended to act as a surgeon’s “third hand” during procedures, reducing miscommunication in the operating room and potentially lowering the risk of medical errors. His interdisciplinary project combined engineering, computer science, medicine, and mathematics, earning him significant recognition, including selection as the alternate for Connecticut’s delegation to the International Science and Engineering Fair.

Bruno Reinhoefer Ribeiro ’26 shared research conducted through the ASPIRE program at New York University in Dr. James Canary’s chemistry lab. His project explored the use of DNA-wrapped carbon nanotubes to remove pollutants from water sources through an iterative purification process. Bruno’s work addressed critical environmental concerns surrounding water contamination while demonstrating sophisticated applications of chemistry and nanotechnology.

Vito Scutari ’26 presented a series of projects developed during his ASPIRE internship at Sacred Heart University and through independent collaborations with his brother. His work focused on “gamifying” aspects of healthcare to encourage healthier behaviors and improve disease diagnosis and treatment. By applying game-based systems to both preventive care and clinical settings, Vito’s research examined new ways to motivate patients and support physicians.

Lucia Vivanco ’26 discussed her marine biology research completed through the ASPIRE program under the mentorship of Dr. Loretta Roberson of the University of Chicago at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Lucia investigated ways to provide nutritive support for coral and kelp ecosystems to help preserve ocean biodiversity and combat climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon levels. Her work highlighted the intersection of environmental science and global sustainability efforts.

Leon Wang ’26 presented groundbreaking Alzheimer’s disease research completed during his ASPIRE internship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Dr. Joel Blanchard’s lab. Leon identified two small-molecule treatments that showed promise in slowing or reversing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. His research earned national recognition, including an extraordinary eighth-place finish in the Regeneron Science Talent Search — the highest achievement ever attained by a King student in the competition.

Schulman shared how the ASPIRE program enhances the academic experience at King through partnerships with professional labs in New York and Connecticut, facilitating cutting-edge research opportunities in real-world environments, before recognizing current Grade 11 ASPIRE students and welcoming the Grade 10 students joining the program next year. 

“Students participate in the program for two years and compete in local, state, regional, and hopefully national and international research competitions to earn external accolades for their incredible work that helps them be competitive for college applications as well as future job positions and career opportunities over their peers,” she said. “It’s an opportunity I wish I had had in high school as a 16-year-old and didn’t have until I was matriculating into graduate school as a 23-year-old.”

A poster session and reception concluded the event in the Performing Arts Center lobby, where guests could speak directly with student researchers and learn more about their projects.