Bergen Student Wins $250,000, Nation's Top High School Science Competition [video]

ORADELL, N.J. — A Bergen County Academies student has won the nation's oldest science and math competition and $250,000 for developing a new approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s.

Indrani Das, 17, won the top award at the Regeneron Science Talent Search sponsored by the Society for Science & the Public. She was among 40 finalists chosen to receive part of the $1.8 million in awards.

"It's bad enough that when you receive a traumatic brain injury, a stroke, a neurodegenerative disease, there's already damage that is going on to a neuron's brain cells," Das said in a statement. "But in addition to that, there are supporting cells, specifically astrocytes, that contribute to that death and damage."

Das, of Oradell, developed a way to possibly repair astrocytes and neurons using RNA molecules packaged in tiny vesicles called exosomes that can easily reach the brain. In a laboratory model, Das showed that this technique improved cell metabolism and increased neurons' chance of survival. She attends the Academy for Medical Science Technology in Hackensack.

Das and two of the top three finalists at the Regeneron Science Talent Search awards gala. — Courtesy of Society for Science & The Public

Donna Leonardi, Das' mentor and a science teacher at the academy, said she "demonstrates a sincere passion for the scientific endeavor, and her integrity and work ethic are without compare. What is special is that she puts her heart into all she does, and coupled with her intellect, she will attain great heights.”

Das plans to study biophysics in college. She also mentors younger researchers, tutors math and plays the trumpet in a four-person jazz ensemble.

“All of us at the Bergen County Academies are thrilled over Indrani’s success in the Regeneron Science Talent Search," said Das' principal Russell Davis. "To think that she was able to complete such high level research in our school’s research labs is truly remarkable and speaks to the commitment of our students, our faculty and our District to furthering scientific research.”

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Photo: Indrani Das holds up some of her research and findings at a display of her project. She studied a possible approach to treating the death of neurons due to brain injury or neurodegenerative disease. — Courtesy of Society for Science & The Public