After representing Rye Country Day School at the global Biodesign Sprint: Ocean Futures competition in December, Josie Choi ’26, Mei Macintyre ’26, Caroline Pereira ’27, and Chase Tucker ’27 of the Oxyfloat team earned an invitation to present at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT as part of the USA Blue Schools initiative. This is a nationally recognized program endorsed by the United Nations Ocean Decade that engages K–12 students in hands-on ocean stewardship and science. 

Joined by their mentors, STEAM Director Dr. Cathie Bischoff and STEAM Assistant Teacher Ms. Katie Rosell, the team presented their research, design process, and prototype development to a broader audience of educators, scientists, and community members. This milestone reflects both the innovation behind Oxyfloat and the team’s growing role in advancing student-led solutions to real-world environmental challenges.

Their Oxyfloat device uses biomimicry, drawing from the movement and form of jellyfish, and incorporates Gracilaria algae to naturally produce oxygen. A built-in pump system helps circulate that oxygen to deeper water layers, targeting the “dead zones” where marine life struggles to survive.

Congratulations Josie, Mei, Caroline, and Chase on another outstanding accomplishment!