Babylon High School Unveils New Research Lab

Babylon High School celebrated the grand opening of the Babylon Science Research Laboratory with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 10, in honor of Babylon resident Theresa Patnode Santmann.

Last summer, Mrs. Santmann made a generous $270,000 donation on behalf of the Theresa Patnode Santmann Foundation Inc. to redesign the high school’s previous art room into a state-of-the-art science research laboratory, and the ribbon-cutting event provided her with the first opportunity to view the room. The new laboratory offers science research students 21 independent stations and features such equipment as autoclaves for sterilizing equipment, electrophoreses used for DNA analysis, a thermal cycler used for DNA amplification, electronic probes for data collection, centrifuges used for separating solutions by density and new physical microscopes, plus access to the latest technology to enhance group and independent research for students in grades 8-12.  

Superintendent of Schools Richard Rozakis, Babylon High School science research teacher Claire Birone, several members of the Board of Education and high school science research students were on hand to greet Mrs. Santmann and thank her for her generosity.

“We are very grateful for Mrs. Santmann’s donation,” said Babylon Director of Science Kristen Dixon. “This state-of-the-art laboratory will enhance the district’s science research program and be utilized by students for years to come.”