These local students have recently distinguished themselves:

— Hannah Wilson of Berne, a 2009 graduate of the Academy of the Holy Names has been accepted to the Fu School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University and will complete her final two years at Columbia for a civil engineering degree starting the Fall 2013 tern.

The daughter of Alida Crisafulli and Laurence Wilson, she began the 3+2 combined engineering program at St. Lawrence University where she majored in mathematics. She was also a member and co-captain of the SLU Women’s Basketball team.

Wilson is currently a member of the Pi Mu Epsilon National Mathematical Honorary Society;

— Melissa Mahadeo, of Schenectady, is one of 12 students at St. Lawrence University selected as scholars in the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program for 2013. The program encourages the pursuit of doctoral study by involving students in multiple research-intensive experiences and providing extensive advising by faculty mentors. In addition, students named McNair Scholars receive grant-funded Stipends for their research along with opportunities to visit graduate schools and attend professional conferences.

A member of the Class of 2014, Mahadeo is majoring in neuroscience. Mahadeo’s research topic is the cerium oxide nanoparticles as a means to reduce reactive oxygen species in the mouse model of multiple sclerosis;