Intel Finalist Rachel Davis Inducted Into LI Technology Hall Of Fame

left to right: Maria Zeitlin Trinkle (Smithtown East Research Coordinator), Rachel Davis, Dr. Miriam Rafailovich (Stony Brook University)Smithtown East is pleased to announce that Rachel Davis, a 2012 Intel STS finalist from the East Science Research Program, was inducted into the Long Island Technology Hall of Fame at a dinner reception at the Garden City Hotel on March 7, 2012. According to Larry Waldman, Chair of the LITHF Selection Committee, “the LITFH bestows well-deserved honors and recognition upon executive, entrepreneur and inventor honorees…and seeks to encourage the next generation. The students reflect the caliber of high quality education Long Island continues to provide to ensure seeding its future in technology.”

According to Ms. Zeitlin Trinkle, the Smithtown East Science Research Coordinator, “Rachel has embodied the passion necessary to encourage the STEM initiate here on Long Island.  She seeks to investigate engineering methods and bring useful ideas to the market with her work on Biodegradable, Flame Retardant Polymers studied in the lab of Dr. Miriam Rafailovich at Stony Brook University.”  Last December Ms. Zeitlin Trinkle attended the STEM Summit held at Farmingdale University and hosted by STEM Hub Steward Brookhaven National Laboratory, in hopes to coordinate efforts with leading institutions and businesses. According to the website for the LI Regional STEM Hub, “there will be a focus on preparing students for the Long Island workforce through enhanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experiences for students and teachers. Academic relevance will serve as the major theme by making it easy for businesses to engage with school and university systems, and integrating non-academic settings such as museums, research labs, and not-for-profit programs. It is envisioned the Hub will promote workforce development that stimulates economic growth and the vitality of the region.”

Rachel has just returned from the Intel Science Talent Search competition in Washington, D.C. where she presented her project titled, “Flame Retardant Biodegradable Polymers,” to professional scientists and Nobel Laureates.  Additionally, Rachel had the honor of meeting President Obama in the White House.  According to Rachel, “the experience was amazing.”  When asked what was the best part of the Intel contest she replied, “the people. I will keep the friendships I made for life.”