MMI Preparatory School Head of School Theresa Long proudly announced that 31 student scientists traveled to Penn State University to represent the School at the 2025 Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Competition. The event, held May 19 to 21, brought together students from across the Commonwealth to present original research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

MMI’s delegation achieved outstanding results, earning 17 first-place awards, 15 second-place awards, and one third-place award. Two students, Kiyan Paknezhad ’25 and Winni Zheng ’25, submitted two projects each, an impressive feat of dedication and academic drive.

Two students earned perfect scores for their projects: Kiyan Paknezhad ’25 in Engineering and Sharon Zhuang ’27 in biology. Kiyan was also honored for his achievement of competing at the PJAS state level for four consecutive years.

Michael Mele, chair of MMI’s Science Department, said, “PJAS provides students with an invaluable opportunity to design, execute, and present original research. We are incredibly proud of all 31 students who represented MMI and showcased their talent on a statewide stage.”

On the trip, the MMI PJAS team was led by faculty advisers Tony Bianco, Shannon Falcheck, and Michele Tyburski. Tammy Chrin accompanied the group as a chaperone.

Below is a summary of student achievements:

• First-place awards: Cedrah Abdulrahman ’26 (botany), Alexis Bleiler ’26 (biochemistry), Gabriella Carsia ’28 (earth and space), Ian Composto ’27 (biochemistry), Alexa Fazio ’27 (biology), Ava Genetti ’26 (microbiology), Gavin Serock ’28 (physics), Arushi Solgama ’26 (ecology), Rishi Patel ’26 (biochemistry), Kiyan Paknezhad ’25 (engineering — two projects), Yeleiny Paniagua ’26 (biology), Shreeya Parikh ’28 (chemistry), Philip Benyo ’27 (microbiology), Megan Yamulla ’30 (chemistry), Winni Zheng ’25 (behavioral science and microbiology), and Sharon Zhuang ’27 (biology).

• Second-place awards: Christina Chrin ’27 (biology), David Yamulla ’26 (biology), Cassidy McDermott ’26 (biochemistry), Joseph Mayernik ’26 (biochemistry), Olivia Moore ’28 (microbiology), Calli Mason ’28 (biochemistry), Riley Mason ’30 (ecology), Arianny Nieves ’28 (biology), Ruhani Shah ’27 (biochemistry), Madalynn Young ’28 (ecology), Madelyn Young ’26 (biochemistry), and Marissa Yamulla ’28 (ecology).

• Third-place award: Sharan Parikh ’26 (mathematics).

For more information about PJAS and the state competition, visit pjas.net/state-competition.