Hudson Valley students showcased their work at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair Saturday afternoon.

Organizers say that more than 600 students from Westchester and Putnam counties competed at the 18th annual fair. The projects were focused on neuroscience, cellular biology and physics.

Kiera Mallinson, a senior from Pelham High School, is one of the students who presented her work. She told News 12 that she used her passion for theatrical lighting to create a laser that can detect cancer progression. She says that she was inspired after her uncle died of pancreatic cancer.

"So many people struggle with the very expensive costs of cancer, and my system eliminates those snags and crosses," Mallinson said. "I hope to save as many lives as possible."

Fifteen students will be selected to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair in May.

Another nine students will win a trip to the International Genius Olympiad at SUNY Oswego in June.