King’s Advanced Science Program for Independent Research and Engineering (ASPIRE) and Honors STEM Research students delivered an outstanding showing across three of Connecticut’s premier research competitions this winter, earning top placements and special awards while highlighting the breadth and depth of the school’s science program.

Lucia Vivanco ’26, who has been researching ways to protect coral reefs from the effects of climate change using nutrient-infused tiles she engineered, earned a spot in the top three at HSSHS, qualifying her for a national competition, which will take place virtually in April. She will also be recognized alongside other top-five finishers at the Connecticut Academy of Science & Engineering Gala in May. Lucia also finished first at the Connecticut STEM Fair, marking a particularly meaningful milestone after earning second place in the category in each of the past two years.

“Placing at HSSHS felt incredibly rewarding after all the hard work and dedication I put into my project,” said Lucia, whose success earned King a $500 stipend to support science research and equipment. “It was very exciting and validating to know that my work was recognized, and I look forward to everything that comes next, including the opportunity to present my research on a national scale.”

The rapid succession of the competitions created an intense and fast-paced stretch for students as they refined their projects, prepared presentations, and remained ready to perform at a high level from one event to the next

“I could not be more proud of how well they handled the demands and came out on top,” said Victoria Schulman, Director of Science Research. “Every year, they go above and beyond my hopes and expectations based on previous years’ performances. It’s truly the students who are raising the caliber of research excellence at King, and they are setting a great example for underclassmen who will undoubtedly be following in their footsteps.”

Max Marti ’27, an Honors STEM Research student, competed alongside ASPIRE students at the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair, earning a place in the finals and a Top 10 finish in Computational Biology & Bioinformatics. His project explored how different sugar structures impact bone density, revealing that even slight differences in molecular arrangement can lead to significantly different outcomes.

“Because the ASPIRE students had more experience with competitions and fairs, they helped me understand the format and gave me tips on my presentation,” said Max. “I learned a lot about research and how to effectively showcase my project. I really appreciated all of their help, and I had a great experience because of them.”

Reflecting on the season's success, Lucia expressed gratitude for the opportunity at King to engage in advanced laboratory work and to learn from mentors like Schulman.

“The ASPIRE program is truly so unique, and the opportunity to work in an advanced laboratory setting at such a young age has had a powerful impact on my life,” said Lucia. “Dr. Schulman is undoubtedly the most dedicated teacher I have ever had the privilege to learn from, and her passion for science has impacted my life tremendously.”

 

Connecticut High School Science & Humanities Symposium

On Saturday, February 28, students competed in the Connecticut High School Science & Humanities Symposium (HSSHS), held at UConn Health in Farmington. Formerly known as the Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS), the program was renamed following the loss of federal funding.

King students rose to the occasion. Each school is limited to three students per category, which are broken up into oral and poster presentations. King qualified for the maximum six spots, with two additional students qualifying based on scores but unable to attend due to competition limits.

Competing against top students from across the state, King’s participants distinguished themselves in both categories:

Oral Presenters

• Dillon Maltese ’26
• Lucia Vivanco ’26 - 3rd Place
• Marilyn Sommerville ’27 - 6th Place

Poster Presenters

• Leon Wang ’26 - 2nd Place
• Bruno Reinhoefer Ribeiro ’26
• Lilah Mehta ’27

The day featured highly competitive sessions, with 16 oral presenters and 18 poster presenters statewide. Students also participated in a humanities-focused activity on responsible AI use, while families and chaperones explored UConn Health’s virtual anatomy lab.

 

Connecticut STEM Fair

Just days later, ASPIRE students continued their success at the Connecticut STEM Fair. During the virtual awards ceremony on March 3 (following the February 7 competition), King students once again earned top honors:

 

• Lucia Vivanco ’26 - 1st Place, Environmental Science
• Mia Jakubowsky ’27 - 3rd Place, Physical Sciences
• Leon Wang ’26 - 4th Place, Health & Medical Sciences

 

Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair (CSEF)

King students also achieved notable recognition at the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair, with finalists and special award winners including:

• Dillon Maltese ’26 - Finalist, 1st Place, Applied Technology Category
• Lilah Mehta ’27 - Finalist, Life Sciences Category
• Olivia Ajayi ’27 - Finalist, Top 10, Biotechnology Category; Finalist, Top 15, Physical Sciences Category; American Society of Safety Professionals (CT Valley Chapter) Special Award
• Max Marti ’27 - Finalist, Top 10, Computational Biology & Bioinformatics Category
• Bruno Reinhoefer Ribeiro ’26 - Stockholm Junior Water Prize Special Award
• Mia Jakubowsky ’27 - Connecticut Association of Physics Teachers Special Award; The Charles Hammond Award for Excellence in Astronomy (Astronomical Society of Greater Hartford); ASGH Membership & Subscription to Sky & Telescope; Invitation to present at ASGH Conference
• Marilyn Sommerville ’27 - New York/Upper Connecticut Pony Club Excellence in Equine and Animal Studies Special Award

These results underscore the broad range of talent and dedication among King’s advanced science students, who continue to excel in scientific research and innovation while earning recognition at the state and national levels.

 

The ASPIRE program is supported by the Advanced Mathematics and Science Study Program endowed fund, established in 2018 by Margharet, Frank, Bea, and William Nash to support students with demonstrated ability and interest in advanced STEM research, laboratory experiences, and national and global scientific competitions.