Wheatley Senior Thaddeus Bhagan Earns National Recognition for Innovative Science Research

By Williston Post Staff

The Wheatley School senior Thaddeus Bhagan has earned recognition for his original scientific research, which was accepted into the 2025–2026 Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) Student Research Recognition Program.

The national program recognizes high school students conducting original research in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), encouraging scientific inquiry and connecting young researchers with educators and professionals in the field.

Bhagan's project, titled "Citric Acid Chelation of Hard Water in the Epidermis," explored whether citric acid could help reduce the effects of hard water on skin. Conducted at The Wheatley School, his research used eggshell membrane as a model for human skin to investigate the potential benefits of citric acid.

Although JSHS is not holding its traditional research competition this year, the program continues to recognize students for their contributions to scientific research.

"I am thrilled this program came back, although in an abbreviated form, but that Thaddeus was still able to submit and earn the recognition his project deserves," said Wheatley STEM Research Teacher Veronica Ade, who guided Bhagan throughout the research process.

The East Williston School District congratulates Bhagan on his achievement and recognizes Ade for her continued dedication to fostering student research and scientific exploration.