Shaker High School Science Research students typically have three years to develop and refine their projects. When scheduling conflicts arose for senior Pavithra (Pavi) Jayakumar, she went above and beyond to keep her research on track. When Science Research no longer fit into her senior year schedule, Pavi didn’t give up. Instead, she decided to do her own independent study. With no class credit, no homework deadlines, and no scheduled class time, Pavi pursued her Science Research studies entirely on her own. She stayed committed with after school guidance from Science Research teacher Mr. Nathaniel Covert and support from her mentors, showing true dedication to her work.
Pavi’s research for the past three years has been on aerogels and their potential for oil adsorption, a project that led her to the Union College Aerogel Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Ann Anderson. Aerogels are a lightweight material made up of 90–99% air. Pavi’s project focus is to create these specialized aerogels and test their ability to adsorb hydraulic oil, with the goal of contributing to more efficient and environmentally friendly oil spill solutions. Pavi’s aerogels take on powerful properties that make them both water-repelling and oil-attracting.
In March, Pavi presented her research at the 2025 RPI Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair, where she earned second place in the Senior Division. Additionally, she earned the Momentive Performance Materials Award, SI Smart Chemistry Award, and U.S. Navy Research Award. Her success at RPI led to an invitation to present her work at the prestigious 2025 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio, where she joined approximately 1,800 student researchers from 70 countries. Pavi traveled to Ohio alongside Mr. Covert and students from New Paltz High School and Saratoga High School.
Pavi will continue her scientific journey as she prepares to attend Cornell University in the fall, majoring in Material Science and Engineering. Pavi hopes to one day work in a laboratory to continue her efforts in material science. Congratulations Pavi! We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!