Buckley Students Place in Long Island Science Fair

April 25, 2026

Buckley students brought curiosity, collaboration, and scientific thinking to the forefront at the 2nd Annual Dr. Audrey Hebling Invitational Science Fair hosted by Long Island Lutheran High School. The event honors the legacy of Dr. Audrey Hebling, whose extraordinary career journey—from the fashion industry to work on NASA satellites—serves as a powerful reminder of where creativity, innovation, and a passion for learning can lead.

This year’s invitational welcomed 69 students from five schools, including Buckley Country Day School, The Bridges Academy, Friends Academy, The Green Vale School, and Long Island Lutheran High School. Together, students presented 36 projects that reflected thoughtful research, teamwork, and creative problem-solving across a wide range of scientific topics.

Representing Buckley were 28 seventh graders from Mr. Roger Persaud’s science classes, who investigated how heat transfers in water when exposed to different materials. Their work demonstrated not only a strong understanding of scientific concepts, but also the confidence and communication skills required to present their findings to multiple judging panels throughout the morning.

Among the highlights of the day was a third-place finish in their division for Buckley students Gabby C. ’27, Artemios G. ’27, Zoe P. ’27, and Richard W. ’27. Their project examined the most efficient location to place a heat pump in a fish tank in order to maximize heat distribution throughout the water. Through careful testing and analysis, the team explored how placement impacted temperature consistency and energy efficiency, showcasing both creativity and practical scientific application. Congratulations to this outstanding group on their achievement!

We are proud of all of our students for dedicating a Saturday morning to academic exploration and for representing Buckley with poise, professionalism, and enthusiasm. Special thanks to Mr. Roger Persaud, now in his 28th year teaching science at Buckley, for inspiring students to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and embrace the scientific process in ways that prepare them for success in high school, college, and beyond.

Check out photos from the event here on Buckley’s SmugMug page.