Putting in long hours in the science lab at Massapequa High School during vacations, weekends, after-school and lunch periods has paid off for two students who have been named semifinalists in the Intel Science Talent Search. And the director of the school's unique science program couldn't be more proud.

Bibiane Choi and Gary Fernando, seniors at Massapequa High, were named semifinalists of the prestigious science competition this week for their environmentally conscious projects.

"We are incredibly happy and Gary and Bibiane have worked so hard on their project," said Paul Lichtman, who heads the Science Research Team, of which the two students are a part.

Fernando's project tackled the problem of how to purify soil that had been polluted by oil, such as in areas like boating docks, near gas stations, or any place where oil seepage might occur. Through his research he found a product that, when used with water, could in effect wash oil off of soil. Taking the project a step further, Fernando also designed and constructed a theoretical model of a machine that could actually remediate soil polluted by oil. Described as looking like a cement mixer, the machine would suck up soil into a tank, treat it with water and the surfactant product and then replace the soil. This, he said, would be an improvement over an existing method of remediating soil where it is hauled from its original site to a separate facility.

"I was looking at things like the Exxon Valdez [oil spill] and different technologies that were used then, more than ten years ago, to maybe implement things a little bit better and bring it into the 21st century," said Fernando.

Choi's project focused on environmental concerns close to home. She tested bodies of water including preserves in Massapequa and Massapequa Park, analyzed the results and came up with some recommendations for improving the water quality.

The results of her testing and analysis have already proved useful to the community. Lichtman sent the results to the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Council, who appreciated receiving the research results. Also as a result of Choi's work, Lichtman was able to secure a Clean Air, Clean Water Bond Act Grant to clean up the Jones Creek Pond, which is directly east of the high school. They will be putting down coconut fiber logs to prevent further corrosion into the pond.

When asked why she chose this particular project she said, "I've always loved being outdoors and I've always been a junior environmentalist." She added that she was also curious about the quality of the water in her community.

Still, despite the many hours she spent in the Science Research Team's lab over the last year and a half, Choi said she didn't expect to be chosen as a semifinalist in the Intel Search, which was formerly known as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search.

"I was a bit shocked, I really didn't expect it but I'm happy," said Bibiane, who will be attending Princeton University to study biology in the fall..

Fernando, who will be studying chemical engineering or applied physics in engineering at Yale University in the fall, said he was thrilled to hear the news.

"I look at it as a great honor," he said. "Even if I'm not named as one of the finalists, to get to this level, to be recognized with my colleagues and other scientists and seniors from around the country, is a wonderful honor for me."

Lichtman was equally delighted, considering it a real victory since the Science Research Team program has produced two semifinalists in only its first year of existence. His pride also extends to the program as a whole, which differs from that of other high schools by providing students with all the tools necessary to conduct sophisticated scientific experiments from within their own school. Other schools send advanced science students to colleges and universities to work under professors on their projects.

"In Massapequa, the district bought into my philosophy of turning a classroom or two into an actual research lab, spending money on high quality instruments so we can do it in-house and if we need any special help we can get a long distance mentor at a college or university any place in the world. That's exactly what Bibiane and Gary did and look at the results," said Lichtman.