Tinley Park, IL — Two Tinley Park High School seniors have been selected for highly competitive summer research internships at nationally recognized science laboratories, marking a significant achievement in their academic careers and future pursuits in STEM.
Nadia Mazon has been accepted into the College Bound Research Program at Argonne National Laboratory, a program designed to provide high-achieving students with hands-on research experience alongside professional scientists and engineers. Through this opportunity, students engage in real-world scientific inquiry and gain exposure to advanced laboratory environments.
“As I go onward to college at the University of Illinois Chicago, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be an intern for such a reputable research center,” said Mazon. “Having now taken four years of Physics, I am eager to see the application of what I have learned first-hand by STEM research professionals. Ultimately I plan to major in electrical engineering and eventually get my doctorate as well while obtaining a minor in business with a concentration in management.”
Mazon’s selection reflects both her academic dedication and her commitment to pursuing a future in engineering and research.
Fellow senior Peyton Leonhardt has been selected for the Fermilab Program for Research, Innovation and STEM Mentorship (PRISM), an intensive internship that introduces students to cutting-edge research in particle physics and related fields. The program provides mentorship from Fermilab scientists and immersive experiences in one of the nation’s leading physics laboratories.
“I am very excited to participate in Fermilab’s PRISM internship program this summer because I will be engaging in research to learn more about particle physics and quantum mechanics, which are two topics that I am very passionate about,” said Leonhardt. “Through this internship, I hope to be prepared for undergraduate research in college and a future career as a theoretical physicist. In the fall, I will be attending the University of Notre Dame as a physics major.”
Both internships are highly selective and offer students the opportunity to contribute to meaningful scientific research while building foundational skills for future academic and professional success.
"I have had the privilege of being Peyton's and Nadia's physics teacher for multiple years. Both students are among the most talented and hard-working students I've ever encountered,” said James Birrell, science teacher at Tinley Park High School. “I can think of no one else more deserving of being awarded these internships, and I know they will make the most of this opportunity."
As they prepare to begin their summer research experiences, Mazon and Leonhardt exemplify the impact of strong academic preparation, curiosity, and dedication to scientific exploration.