MHS senior MaryEllen Steiner was recently recognized with an award for her science research presentation at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF) at the New York Hall of Science in Queens.

In the category of Engineering Technology: Statistics and Dynamics, MaryEllen received second place for her research project entitled “Tracking Crowd Densities and Dynamics to Develop Software to Assist Mobility Disabled Individuals.”

Her project included collecting and analyzing data from New York Department of Transportation traffic cameras to find patterns and density dynamics to develop a proof of concept for an application that will help people with disabilities travel in less populated areas or at less populated times. To compile this data, she manually counted pedestrian traffic 24 hours a day for seven days at the intersection of 34th Street and 7th Avenue in Manhattan. From this data, she categorized traffic volume into the most ideal times for physically disabled individuals to travel.

“MaryEllen's ability to present her ideas and field questions, at all levels of the competition, made her a strong contender,” said Mineola High School research teacher Ms. Jessica Carlson. “The purpose and application of her project was unique, practical and very moving. She married strong STEM and research skills with empathy for an underserved population. Our greatest measure of success, as educators, is to see our students applying their knowledge and skills to create a better world for all members of society."

The NYSSEF is an affiliate of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s preeminent international science project competition for high school students and largest pre-college STEM competition.

Date Added: 4/15/2024