Sophomore Claire Parks Pursues Science Research Project

Huntington sophomore Claire Parks is engaged in a science research project that involves studying “The Effect of Nitrogen Fixation on Surrounding Plants.” It’s a technical topic that requires high-end probing and analysis and extraordinary patience.

“Nitrogen fixation in simple terms is a self-fertilizing process that plants go through to produce nitrates (plant food),” Ms. Parks said. “But only a certain species of plants/legumes, may perform this because of  the bacteria living in small growths on the roots called nodules. Within these nodules, nitrogen fixation is done by the bacteria, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia and usable forms of organic nitrogen.”

Ms. Parks compiled an academic grade average in excess of 101 in the first marking period. She is an excellent all around student and completely attuned to her research project.

“Excess nitrogen in the atmosphere can produce pollutants such as ammonia and ozone, which can impair our ability to breathe, limit visibility and alter plant growth” Ms. Parks explained. “When excess nitrogen comes back to earth from the atmosphere, it can harm the health of forests, soils and waterways. So finding a way to get plants more access to nitrates without harming the environment is so useful, which is why I chose to utilize nitrogen fixation.”

The research project has a purpose. “The goal is to see if the excess nitrates that are produced with the legume (clover), which is already inoculated with the rhizobium bacteria, can be used in a plant growing next to it (green onion) which can’t perform nitrogen fixation,” Ms. Parks said. “The hypothesis is that the cultivated legumes will emit a sufficient supply of nitrogen to benefit the surrounding plants, or crops, without the necessity of fertilizer, nitrous additives/etc.”

Ms. Parks is a fan of the high school’s science research program. “Last year I had a great experience with Mrs. [Deborah] Beck as my Intro to Research teacher and I will strive to win an award this year again as I did last year when my group received a Merit Award at the Long Island Science Congress for our project,” she said.

The teenager has embraced life at the high school. “Overall, Huntington has so many great clubs and classes pertaining to science like robotics, Science Olympiad and environmental club, which I’ve been having such a fun time being a part of,” Ms. Parks said.

The sophomore is pursuing her current research project with enthusiasm. “Although I don’t see myself doing environmental science in the future, I think this experiment will be a fun experience and I overall just enjoy getting so into depth of my knowledge of a topic and then being able to present and talk about it, gives me a sense of accomplishment,” Ms. Parks said. “Mrs. [Lori] Kenny has been such an amazing help. I am so excited to continue with my research in the future!”

Ms. Parks is one of Huntington’s Class of 2026 stars, shining brightly in and out of the classroom and with the Blue Devil athletic program.

“So far I have loved my experience at Huntington High School,” Ms. Parks said. “All of my teachers, coaches and friends are so supportive and helpful and I have learned so much. All of my teachers have been so great in finding ways to make sure I get the best learning experience.”

Ms. Parks plays on the varsity tennis and golf teams. “These two sports have taught me so much about teamwork and I’ve made so many good friends,” she said. “I started tennis in eighth grade when I was pulled up to JV and all the girls I met on the team were so sweet and welcoming.”

The teenager is the first chair clarinet in the high school band and she’s a wind ensemble member, too. “I really enjoy having a place to play advanced music as a group,” Ms. Parks said. “I also do clarinet NYSSMA level six and will be auditioning for all state this year.”

Ms. Parks is a member of the high school’s robotics and environmental clubs and she’s on the Science Olympiad team.

“In robotics, I started by helping build parts of the robot, but I recently found an interest in the programming aspect and I’m now learning about that,” Ms. Parks said. “Science Olympiad I just started this year and I am studying for two events’ anatomy & physiology and code busters.”

Ms. Parks will vie in a Science Olympiad competition on January 27 and be tested in her two subject areas, “which I am excited about,” she said.

The sophomore is working with her environmental club colleagues to find ways to improve the environment. “Ever since I was young, I was always concerned about the environment and it makes me feel great know that our club is helping out,” Ms. Parks said. “We’ve done clothing swaps to help reduce the amount of clothes we use together as a club and we are always looking for new ways to help out in our community.”

The teenager is happy. “Overall, Huntington High School has such a great environment to make great friends and to grow as a student, which I am so thankful for,” Ms. Parks said.