YHS Junior Eric Song Wins at NYSSEF, Advances to ISEF

Yorktown High School junior Eric Song has advanced to the International Science and Engineering Fair with his innovative ransomware detection and mitigation system that he developed as part of the school's Science Research program.

Eric secured his spot by winning first place in the Systems Software category at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair on March 27, making him one of just 15 students from New York to advance to ISEF, which takes place in Dallas on May 14-19.

Ransomware is a kind of computer malware that seizes data and holds it hostage in exchange for something valuable, usually money. Eric's system identifies and detects ransomware while it runs and halts the key used by attackers to lock up data, allowing users to retrieve their files by taking the key.

The project has been a fulfilling experience for Eric, who is passionate about using his computer skills to help others. “I have been interested in computers since my early youth, and being able to do something with these skills that actually helps the world has been very rewarding,” Eric said. “Additionally, I enjoy telling others about subjects I'm very passionate about and being able to share information about computer security is also very rewarding.”

Eric credits Yorktown High School Science Research Program with providing him with the opportunity to explore his favorite subject on a level that most high schoolers do not. “I have learned a lot during my time in the program, and I also get some real-world experience in what work in the field is actually like. It has turned my passion for computers into something tangible,” he added.

Science research teacher Paul Rubeo said he is impressed by Eric's passion for the subject matter and his leadership skills.

“I would argue he has a PhD level understanding of the content he’s talking about,” Mr. Rubeo said. “He’s also a good leader, a good role model in the program. He’s always working with the younger students.”

Mr. Rubeo said that spirit of collaboration is the hallmark of the Yorktown High School’s Science Research program, which has produced other top-performing students this contest season.

Also at NYSSEF, Aidan Hirsch, Abhishek Nair, and Nathan Gutierrez won honorable mention.

At the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair, Sofia Nastasi won the Second Place Award in Environmental Science, Alyssa Huang won the Third Place Award in Neuroscience, Aaditya Wadekar won the Fourth Place Award in Bioinformatics, Param Amre won the Fourth Place Award in Math and Computer Science, Mikino Ishikawa won the Innovations in Biological Sciences Research Award in Neuroscience, and Abhishek Nair won the Today's Students, Tomorrow's Engineers Award in Engineering.