Christine Lombardi

I am an active member of my high school’s STEM Academy; where in the final two years of the program the students are to create an individual study project. Both of these projects I have worked with a partner on similar but separate projects both retaining ideas of the human body. Last year I completed an analysis of the effects that easy access antibiotics, prebiotics, and probiotics have on E. Coli K-12. The bacteria, E. Coli K-12, was used to represent the human body cells and to remain safe within the school building. The essential question was, “What would be the best way to treat a common cold?” This project was shown not only locally at the school’s symposium but also regionally to the members of the Long Island Science Congress. This science competition was hosted at the Cradle of Aviation and there my project was awarded an honorable mention. Additionally, this year I am researching and studying the effects of popular and commonly used makeup products on C. Elegans. This specific bacteria was chosen as it has been researched and determined to represent human skin cells and is safe for educational experiments. The main concept of this research is to inform people of the harsh realities that can arise from substances being put onto their skin. Also, during my summer vacation, I had the opportunity to intern with Ondrives US. During this time I saw operations in multiple departments from sales to shipping and everything in between. The help of CEO Lee Berg led to training and connections within the industry. I worked closely with the company's engineers and watched closely as I learned how important every job is. Over my time there I determined what I did or didn’t like, and was invited to come back anytime.