Apr 17, 2006 -- Yeshiva University High School for Girls seniors Lauren Sipzner and Jaimie Stettin, both of Queens, were finalists in the New York City Science and Engineering Fair (NYCSEF) for their research into the whitener titanium dioxide and its use in nanotechnology. The seniors are now eligible to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair, which will be held in May in Indianapolis. They join 18 other New Yorkers who will be competing in the international fair. NYCSEF is an annual science and technology competition for New York City high school students. It is a two-tiered competition which includes the New York Academy of Sciences Expo and the NYCSEF Polytechnic University Finals. In February, hundreds of students from private and public high schools throughout the five boroughs competed for prizes totaling more than $2 million. More than 400 volunteer judges (scientists, engineers, teachers and other professionals) evaluate the presentations and the scientific or engineering processes applied to the students. During a competition in mid-March at Polytechnic University, Ms. Sipzner and Ms. Stettin, were named finalists. Their research involved titanium dioxide nanoparticles, microscopic particles of the common whitener used in makeup, toothpaste and paint. Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are frequently used in cosmetics and sunscreen because the small size increases their effectiveness and allows for a uniformly dispersed layer on the skin. For their experiment, the girls tested the effects that different concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles would have on skin cells. They hypothesized that the small size and natural surface reactivity of the particles would allow for them to penetrate into cells and limit cell function. They examined key cellular processes such as cell replication and development and cell migration, and found that overall the particles had a limiting effect on cellular function and structure. Late last year, the pair was chosen as regional finalists in the 2005-06 Siemens Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science and Technology, the nation’s premier science research competition for high school students. Yeshiva University High School for Girls offers a demanding dual curriculum of Judaism and college preparatory courses. The Yeshiva University High Schools have as their educational mission to teach and perpetuate the values of Torah Umadda. The school’s aim is to prepare its students for adulthood, both as knowledgeable and committed Jews and as broadly educated, intellectually curious, and caring members of the general society.