YHS Senior Takes First at Global Science Competition

In an extraordinary first for Yorktown High School, senior Chinmayi Goyal recently claimed first place in the Robotics and Intelligent Machines category at the 2025 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the most prestigious global science competition for high school students. Competing among more than 1,600 finalists from around the world, Chinmayi’s groundbreaking project was recognized as the best in its category, highlighting the excellence of Yorktown’s Science Research program on an international stage.

Chinmayi’s innovative research involved developing an AI-based, user-driven exoskeletal assistive control system aimed at individuals with movement disabilities. She named this system "MyoAssist." The system proactively detects and evaluates early signs of neuromuscular degradation, offering timely interventions rather than reactive rehabilitation. Chinmayi competed against 74 other projects in her category, all of which were winners from regional and state fairs around the globe. Her award-winning project not only earned global acclaim but also secured a $6,000 prize and an additional $1,000 contribution toward Yorktown High School’s Science Research program.

“My research project grew out of my love for math and computer science, and my strong desire to use innovation and technology to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” Chinmayi said.

Chinmayi, who is also valedictorian of the Class of 2025, will continue her studies at MIT, where she hopes to dive deeper into artificial intelligence and computer science.

“There’s so much more I want to explore, and I’m eager to keep learning and growing,” Chinmayi said. “I’m especially looking forward to collaborating with others who are also passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems — and to keep pushing the boundaries of what AI can do in healthcare and beyond.”

Chinmayi said she was grateful for Yorktown High School’s Science Research program, the support of her peers, and the program’s co-directors, Mr. Paul Rubeo and Mr. Justin Seweryn, whose guidance and feedback “helped me become a better thinker, problem-solver, and communicator.”

Yorktown junior Willa Olson also earned significant recognition at ISEF by receiving the prestigious National Anti-Vivisection Society Humane Science Award. Willa’s research on the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on otter behavior was awarded a $3,000 prize. She looks forward to continuing her research over the summer and during her senior year.

“Ever since I was a little girl, otters have been my favorite animal,” Willa said. “When I was looking for an animal to research, I was instantly drawn to their cute social behaviors. Since endocrine disrupting chemicals have been shown to affect the social behaviors of many other animals, I wondered if these chemicals could have the same horrible effects on my favorite animal and their unique behaviors. I found that high levels of endocrine disrupting chemicals led to a decrease in aggressive behaviors in otters, which are important for mating success.”

Willa credited the Science Research Program with helping to focus her research and find her a mentor. “Without the help of my mentor and the program I would never have known how to properly conduct this research and how to communicate my findings,” Willa added.

Mr. Rubeo and Mr. Seweryn expressed pride in the achievements of Chinmayi and Willa. “To be recognized for their exceptional work from a pool of over 1,600 science fair champions from around the world is a testament to their talent, work ethic, and potential to shape the future through science. These successes indicate that our students are completing work on par with the best high school research projects in the world.”

This historic achievement continues an extraordinary year for Yorktown’s Science Research students. Earlier this year, Chinmayi was named Best in Fair at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair (NYSSEF), where she and Willa each earned first-place honors in their categories. The success extended to the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF), where 39 Yorktown students presented research and earned nearly two dozen awards. Additionally, Chinmayi and classmate Makayla Winslow were recognized as Regeneron Science Talent Search Top 300 Scholars, further highlighting the strength and innovation of Yorktown’s science research community.

According to Mr. Rubeo and Mr. Seweryn, the program’s continued success “is in no small part due to the support we get from our administrative team at the district and building levels, the Board of Education, and our incredible community members.”