Siemens finalist at DRS

David Herman, a senior at the Davis Renov Stahler (DRS) Yeshiva High School in Woodmere, was named a regional finalist in the Siemens Math, Science and Technology Competition on Monday. The 16-year-old Lawrence resident researched hydrogen fuel cells and is the only yeshiva student to be named a regional finalist in this year’s competition and the first student in the school’s history to achieve this feat.

Herman performed his research over the summer at Stony Brook University’s Garcia Research Center with his partner, Kevin Qian, of Plymouth, Minn. The two considered the viability of alternatives to burning fossil fuels that would involve improving hydrogen fuel cells. A fuel cell is an electrochemical energy conversion device and converts hydrogen and oxygen into water, eventually producing energy in the form of electricity. 

“I really enjoy chemistry — it’s interesting and relatable,” said Herman, who took the College Board’s rigorous Advanced Placement Chemistry course last year. “Being able to research something that will help the earth become a greener place is something I’m really passionate about and this project was really perfect for me.” 

In preparation for the competition, Herman and Qian wrote an 18-page paper reporting their findings, which included meticulous research, experimentation and data. Their research competed against nearly 1,800 other projects, among which 466 were chosen as regional semifinalists. The top 97 entries were designated as regional finalists.

Herman expressed his gratitude to individuals who helped him along the journey, including Hongfei Li, his graduate research assistant; Dr. Miriam Rafailovich, his research mentor; as well as the administration and faculty of DRS for their guidance and support. He will now advance to the regional round and present his research to a group of judges at Notre Dame University during the weekend of Nov. 20-21. 

Herman is a captain on DRS’s Debate and Science Olympiad teams and an editor on the school newspaper. He also founded Everyone Gets a Shot, a volunteer initiative which gives special needs teenagers the opportunity to participate in high school sports games. He also volunteers with residents at the Atlantic Beach-based Nautilus Senior Hotel.

“We are so proud of David’s accomplishment, which is a result of his acumen, hard work and perseverance,” said Menahel Rabbi Yisroel Kaminetsky. “When you speak to David about his project, you get a sense of his command of his project, and his natural curiosity about chemistry. His project was a great fit for him, and he benefited from great mentors during the project and in presenting his project. He is truly a credit to DRS.”