Broadview Resident Judge Regeneron Science and Engineering Fair

While some residents at senior living communities keep busy with bingo tournaments and arts and crafts, the residents at Broadview at Purchase College have weightier issues on their minds. Namely, helping to shape the futures of some of the nation’s top young scientific minds.

Nine of Broadview’s residents with advanced degrees in medicine, engineering, chemistry, behavioral science, physics, and mathematics recently served as judges at the Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering Fair which was held at Somers High School on March 15. The fair showcased the work of 800 students from 40 high schools in Westchester and Putnam counties and recruited the skills of 500 judges across various disciplines.

Established in 2001, the Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF) encourages students to participate in hands-on science by showcasing their research. The top students advance to the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair.

This was the second year that Broadview residents had participated in the judging at WESEF. Interest in the project continues to grow, which is not surprising given Broadview’s emphasis on intergenerational learning.

Broadview residents Howard and Judy Zweig said their association with WESEF began simply enough: their grandson Cory Seelenfreund represented New Rochelle High School last year and advanced to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), where he won first place in mathematics. He and their granddaughter, Leah Seelenfreund, submitted a project this year.

Howard, who is a structural engineer, and Judy, a Ph.D. chemist, thought this was an endeavor that would interest their ultra-nerdy friends at Broadview. They were right, and this year nine residents joined in.
Howard stressed that this was no ordinary high school science fair. Participants work with mentors from top universities across the globe in developing their projects and spend months rehearsing their presentations, he said.

“These are top level projects. Just as an example, our grandson found his mentor in Germany,’’ said Howard.

He went on to explain that each judge is given 10 student projects to judge based on a very specific rubric with a total of 100 points. Judges get 15 minutes to interview students and five to complete the forms. Based on the total scores, the competition selects the top 20 finalists who go on to the international competition.

“We left here at 7 in the morning and were there till 3 in the afternoon,’’ said Judy. “It was a very long day, but very rewarding to listen to the caliber of the talks of these kids. It was fabulous.’’
For example, Howard said one young woman was working to develop a super strong, but flexible type of suture based on a spider’s web. Another student was working to improve the efficiency of solar panels by reducing the reflection using different coatings.

“She came up with really good results, improving efficiency like 10 or 20 percent,’’ he said. “Now they have to figure out whether it is economically feasible.’’

Howard and Judy said they were impressed with the diversity of the participants with many young women and students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds represented.

Howard noted that he was also impressed with the qualifications of the Broadview crew:

Dr. Jerry Whitman, Dr Gary Gosselin, Dr. Monica Smiddy, Howard Zweig, Dr. Judy Zweig, Dr. Rhoda Berenson, Dr. Mark Berenson, Dr. Stan Reisman and Dr. Ken Brookler.

“All are doctors with medical degrees or Ph.Ds (except me). Out of the nine involved, there were three couples,’’ he said.

Ashley Wade, Executive Director of Broadview at Purchase College, said the intent of Broadview being located on the campus of Purchase College was to provide its residents with opportunities for intergenerational learning.

“Broadview residents continue to run with the ball, and they are unstoppable. We provided the impetus, and as lifelong learners, they continue to find new and creative ways to connect with young people.”