Department: Science
Mr. Kentaro Kolbert
Mr. Kentaro Kolbert
LuHi Role: Teacher (Science), joined the LuHi faculty in 2023
Education:New York Institute of Tech, BS In Health Sciences, Magna cum Laude; Iona University, MSEd Biology, Magna cum Laude
What I love about my role:I love that biology is the foundation of life. I love that the things that we do in biology are often very observable, that more so than some of the other sciences Biology is always all around us. I also love nature and animals!
Previous professional experience:I most notably worked on Wall Street as a Biotech analyst. I would essentially do research on biotech companies and present to investors, often high powered C-level executives.
Hobbies:Video Games, Nature/Animals, photography, Museums zoos and aquariums, fishing, Taekwondo
Family:I grew up local on Long island near Glen Cove. My father was born here and met my Japanese mother in Japan. I met my girlfriends of now three years in the middle of the pandemic online on our favorite video game. I currently have 3 dogs (a German Shepard, a Beagle, and a Yorkie) and 3 cats along with other critters.
What I love most about LuHi:While this will be my first year, I’m very excited to work in a loving environment that emphasizes the values of family and community. I hope to be as involved as possible at LuHi to uphold these values!
Mr. William Edzards
Mr. William Edzards
LuHi Role: Teacher (Science), joined the LuHi faculty in 2023
Education: Adelphi University, B.A. Environmental Studies with minor in Biology; Adelphi University, Masters in Education. Dean’s Award; New York College of Health Professions, Masters in Acupuncture, B.P.S. Health Sciences
What I love about my role: I love teaching science, particularly Earth Science and AP Environmental Science because what my students learn in the classroom they can apply to their real lives almost every single day. There is never the question “Why do we have to learn this?” or “When will we ever used this?” asked in class, because the topics covered in my classes related to their everyday lives and elsewhere around the world.
Previous professional experience: I was a science teacher at Archbishop Molloy HS in Queens for the last year and a half. Before that, I was a science and Phys. Ed. teacher for 15 years at St. Martin de Porres Marianist School.
Hobbies: I love cars (driving them and working on them), sports (Let’s go Rangers/Yankees/Giants and Knicks), and exercise and fitness.
Family: We have a daughter, Emma in 10th grade, a son, Max going into 4th grade, a two year old boxer, Paisley, a cat, Nola and two parakeets, Donut and Turtle.
What I love most about LuHi: This is my first year, but I have been very excited and impressed by how welcoming the staff as been so far.
Dr. Troy Joseph
Dr. Troy Joseph
LuHi Role: Teacher (Science), joined the LuHi faculty in 2022
Education: Stony Brook University, BS Chemistry; The City University of New York Graduate School, MS Biochemistry; The City University of New York Graduate School, Ph.D in Biochemistry; Stony Brook University, Post-Doctoral Training in the Medical Pathology department, and the Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department
Previous Teaching Experience: General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry at SUNY at Farmingdale (16yrs); General Chemistry at Hofstra University (2yrs); Physiology and Biochemistry Touro Physician assistant Graduate program (3yrs); Regents, Honors and AP Chemistry and Science research at the high school level (14yrs)
Awards and Recognitions: I have published several research papers on tumorigenesis and the role P53(a tumor suppressor protein) plays in inhibiting cancer formation. I was a selected guess speaker at the Salk Institute at La Jolla in San Diego, California for research done on P53 and its localization, stabilization and degradation.
Hobbies: Running, reading, traveling and keeping up with current events.
Family: My wife and I have one son; Benjamin. He’s 15 years old.
What I love about LuHi: I’m looking forward to working at LuHi because it is not just about the great academic programs, but also about creating a community of caring individuals.
Mr. Harold Kennedy
Mr. Harold Kennedy
LuHi Role: Teacher and Department Chair (STEM), Robotics Coach; joined the LuHi faculty in 2012
What I love about my role: I enjoy solving problems and through my classes we generate and solve a myriad of problems (technical, social, and otherwise) each day through various means.
Hobbies: Video Games, Tabletop Gaming, Reading
Family: I have a lovely wife, Stephanie, an amazing daughter, Cece, and a crazy dog, Flash.
What I love most about LuHi: My favorite part about working at LuHi is being able to work with some pretty fantastic students and see them grow over the years.
Mr. Noah Smitelli
Mr. Noah Smitelli
LuHi Role: Teacher (Science); joined the LuHi Faculty in 2020
Education: Stony Brook University, Bachelor of Science in Business Management; Stony Brook University, Master of Business Administration in Finance
What I love about my role: Physics makes the world around us make sense. I love knowing that I can calculate why something happened or calculate what will happen if I want to try something.
Other professional experience: I was a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual
Hobbies: Volleyball, Board Games, Fantasy Football
What I love about LuHi: I love the community and the school spirit from teachers and students. Being able to work in a place that puts God first has been a blessing.
Mrs. Helen Sher
Mrs. Helen Sher
LuHi Role: Science Lab Coordinator, joined the LuHi faculty in 2005.
Education: University of Toronto, Bachelors of Science; University of Toronto, Masters of Science
Other professional experience: I was born in Canada. For my Masters degree I conducted field research in the Canadian sub-arctic, in an area know as “the polar bear capital of the world”.
What I love about my role: I love how we can view science all around us with wonder, how looking at life from a scientific perspective can spark our curiosity. Even the smallest things can create a WOW moment.
Hobbies: I enjoy gardening, cooking and spending time with my family.
Family: My husband and I have been married for 34 years. Our three children are all LuHi alumni. Our Golden Retriever Cheddar is certain that you are his best friend.
What I love about LuHi: I love working with compassionate, dedicated colleagues, and sharing God’s love with students.