Deer Park High School is proud to announce that a team of three freshmen earned second place in the Medicine/Health category at the Chemagination 2026 competition, held on March 4 at St. John’s University. Organized by the New York Section of the American Chemical Society, the competition challenges high school students to envision how chemistry can help solve real-world problems in the future.
The Deer Park team – Abigail Daniel, Mahira Mehdi and Gavin Puterbaugh – worked under the guidance of science teacher Dylan Duprez to develop a project exploring the concept of universal blood cells. Their work examined how future advances in chemistry and science could make blood transfusions safer and more accessible for patients around the world.
As part of the Chemagination competition, student teams imagine themselves 25 years into the future and write an article for a future edition of “ChemMatters” magazine, describing how chemistry helped address a major real-world challenge. Projects must be based on recent breakthroughs or innovations in one of four areas: alternative energy, medicine and health, environment, or new materials. Competing against teams from across New York State, the Deer Park students impressed judges with their scientific thinking, creativity and collaborative spirit.
“This achievement continues a proud tradition of excellence at Deer Park High School,” Director of Science and Technology Alison Branca said. “Last year, the school also earned first place in the same category, a testament to the dedication of Deer Park students and the continued support of the school and district in helping students reach their full potential.”