Olivia Polinksy

My partner, Nina Varvastas, and I are studying The Effect of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on Drosophila Melanogaster. Over the last few weeks we have been developing a science research project on the topic of QACS in cleaning products. We find their known and possible effects on people and living things to be fascinating. QACs are a chemical which have especially been called to attention over the COVID 19 pandemic, because of all the cleaning supplies which they are utilized in. We will be testing how Drosophila Melanogaster behaves once  quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are introduced to the environment. We believe their behavioral responses will become altered in regards to light reactivity, egg laying, and eating patterns. We are excited to continue our research with our mentors Karen and Melanie, Mrs. Kenny and Dr. Sarah Evens from Mount Sinai. Nina and I are interns at Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition (HBCAC). We both worked on separate projects during the Summer; I worked on a Student Ted Talk regarding endocrine disruptors, specifically MSG. I  worked with NYSCHECK where they researched QACs which is where our research idea sprouted from. I’m most excited to learn more about the effect of QACs on living things.I enjoy Science Research because it helps me with my presenting and analyzing skills.