Connetquot freshmen earn top honors in ExploraVision competition
A team of two Connetquot High School freshmen, Daniel Ehlers and Abir Mahdi, have been named the 2026 Regional Winners of the grades 7-9 Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision science contest, while fellow ninth grade science research students Timothy Todarello and Antoni Wojas earned honorable mention recognition!
Ehlers and Mahdi, both freshmen in their first year of the Science Research program, earned regional recognition for their innovative project, “Thymus-Like Grid for Training Specialized T Cells.” They were guided by science research teacher John Pedersen.
Their project introduces a “Microscopic Thymus Grid,” a concept designed to replicate the function of the thymus, an organ responsible for training immune cells. By simulating how immune cells are exposed to fragments of bacteria, viruses and cancer, the grid could enable the development of stronger and more diverse immune responses. This technology has the potential to improve how the body fights a wide range of diseases.
Additionally, freshmen Antoni Wojas and Timothy Todarello were recognized with honorable mention honors for their project, “Hematoprime.” Their achievement reflects the depth of talent within Connetquot’s science research program.
To honor these accomplishments, Connetquot High School hosted a special ceremony where two representatives from Toshiba USA presented the students an official winner’s banner and certificates. Ehlers and Mahdi also received new Chromebooks in recognition of their achievement.
This marks the second time in four years that Connetquot High School students have been named regional winners in the ExploraVision competition, highlighting the continued success and growth of the program. Ehlers and Mahdi will now advance to the national level, with final results expected to be announced in late April.
Connetquot High School congratulates all of its student researchers and looks forward to their continued success!
