Six students at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy in La Cañada Flintridge have been honored as finalists for the Research in Science and Engineering Award presented by the Archer School for Girls.

Of the 10 finalist projects, five projects created by six Flintridge students made the final cut. The student winners are Alyssa Carter, Laura DiPietro, Danielle Fradet, Kelly Fradet, Lacie Fradet and Kristina Mercolino.

On May 21, the students had a chance to present the results of their projects during the poster session at the Archer STEM symposium. Two other Flintridge students, Bella Martin and Yaqi Zhang, also presented their projects at the event. Other Flintridge students were invited to give talks during the breakout sessions. Students, who received this special honor, include Alyssa Carter, Laura DiPietro, Danielle Fradet, Kristina Mercolino and Yaqi Zhang.

The 32 Flintridge students who put their projects forward for the research award were members of an honors research class. Elizabeth Krider, the class’s teacher, holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from CalTech and has been involved in cutting-edge research on DNA electronics. School officials were confident that Krider would not only be an excellent teacher, but also a great role model for the young female students.

“We are blessed to be able to offer this to our next generation of female scientists,” a school official said in a press release. “It will build confidence and critical thinking skills that will last them a lifetime.”