Friends Academy Junior Admitted to Simons Research Fellowship Program

Isabella Sha ‘23 has been accepted into the Simons Summer Research Fellowship Program at Stony Brook University. Because of her strong academic record and Friends Academy teacher recommendations, Isabella stood out as one of the best science students nationally and is among the 12% of applicants who are admitted into the program. As a Simons Fellow, Sha will work under the mentorship of Dr. Arjun Venkatesan in the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences and assist in their research in Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) effects on water. During this research, she will learn laboratory techniques and tools, and become fully immersed in the university. Along with research, Isabella is also invited to attend weekly faculty research meetings, workshops, tours, and events. 

“I would not have known about this program without Mrs. Newitt (Upper School Assistant Principal and Science Department Head).” said Isabella. Each year, Friends Academy curates and shares a list of educational summer experiences, workshops, and courses across a variety of disciplines. Passionate about the sciences, Isabella "was immediately interested in the program at Stony Brook. I've always been drawn to water and marine life," she added.

Photo by Andres Lopez