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West Islip Research Teacher ‘SPARKS’ Love Of Science

Photo courtesy of West Islip School District

West Islip High School research teacher Mary Kroll is the principal investigator for Brookhaven National Laboratory’s Student Partnerships for Advanced Research and Knowledge spectroscopy collaboration. Her role includes collaborating with five other Suffolk County school districts, their research teachers and students, and scientists at BNL to develop and carryout research projects.

This year, West Islip High School has seven seniors participating in the SPARK program. They are utilizing BNL’s National Synchrotron Light Source II to analyze microplastics found in river and bay sediments. A past project included the analysis of micrometeorite samples collected from the roof of West Islip High School. Kroll’s article, “Using Planetary Sciences for Early Engagement and Development of the Next Generation of STEM Professionals,” was co-published with the SPARK team at BNL. Kroll’s team was invited to present at the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference in March. The LPSC is a joint effort between the Lunar and Planetary Institute and NASA.

Kroll is recognized as a New York State Master Teacher. She also serves as the judge coordinator for Long Island Science Congress and is a member of the Scientific Review Committee for the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair.

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