Southampton Student Connects Classroom Learning To Real-World Research And Community Service

Southampton High School senior Reese Swiatocha is gaining valuable firsthand experience in scientific research and community service through Stony Brook University and a volunteer position at Southampton Hospital. After discovering that she had a passion for biomedical engineering while taking AP biology and research courses, Swiatocha decided to seek out opportunities to gain real-world research experience. She took initiative and contacted Stony Brook University public health professor Dr. Jaymie Meliker to ask about the possibility of working with him as a research assistant.

Swiatocha began working with Dr. Meliker over the summer on research examining the relationship between urinary cadmium and the risk of bone fractures, bone loss and muscle loss. She continues to assist with the project by collecting and reviewing scientific literature and helping to prepare research reports. Swiatocha said the experience has allowed her to see how concepts she has studied in the classroom are applied to real-world research while learning more about the collaborative nature of scientific work.

Her interest in helping others also extends beyond the laboratory. This year, she founded a new high school club, Seniors for Seniors, which brings student volunteers and senior citizens in the community together through activities designed to foster intergenerational connections. The idea for the club grew from her volunteer experience at Southampton Hospital’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center, where she enjoyed interacting with older members of the community. She wanted to create an opportunity for other students to build similar connections. In addition to her academic and community pursuits, Swiatocha is a member of her school’s varsity soccer and golf teams and serves as president of the Best Buddies club.