Peter Gaal Embraces Science Research at Huntington

Peter Gaal’s senior year is off to an exciting start at Huntington High School. Among his many pursuits is collaborating with classmate and friend Dominick Vidota in developing intriguing projects in the science research program.

“I’ve always been interested in surgery, helping others and science since I was young,” Mr. Gaal said. “Being able to help and heal others is something I am looking forward to in the future.”

The teenager is excited to be working with Mr. Vidota. Mr. Gaal’s intellect and interest for all things science research related has been evident over the past three years.

Among Mr. Gaal’s projects was one titled “The Effects of Triclosan on Escherichia Coli” and another he named “The Effects of Different Concentration of Triclosan on E.Coli.” The latter garnered a Merit Award at last year’s Long Island Science Congress competition.

Mr. Gaal is currently interning with Huntington High School science research program teacher Lori Kenny. He’s excited to working with the veteran educator and happy to be helping his peers with their projects and contributing to making them high quality and competition ready. “I am looking forward to seeing how everyone’s research looks when everything is finalized,” he said.

Now in his fourth year studying in the science research program, Mr. Gaal intends to focus on surgery factors. “While no idea has been finalized, this year’s research will be centered around the effects of different antibacterial solutions commonly used in surgery and their effects on E. coli,” he said.

The senior intends to enter the project into the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair, one of Long Island’s premier high school science contests.

Mr. Gaal’s class schedule also Advanced Placement Government & Politics with Economics, AP Spanish Literature, AP Research, Pre-calculus-Beacon program, AP Chemistry, Regents Physics and Science Research Honors.

Mr. Gaal feels confident that a “productive and enjoyable” year lies ahead as a student and as Mrs. Kenny’s class intern.