Science Contest Finalist Picked Topic 'Out Of A Sci-Fi Movie'

ARMONK, NY — A Byram Hills High School student who created an ersatz laboratory using common household items to pursue his research during the coronavirus pandemic is a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021, the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

Jared Ilan is among the 40 finalists selected from more than 1,760 highly qualified entrants from across the country based on the scientific rigor of their projects and their potential to "become world-changing scientists," contest officials said. SEE: 3 Hudson Valley Seniors Named Regeneron Science Contest Finalists

Ilan researched the potential of using decellularized plant-based scaffolds for cultured meat production, which could someday supply the world's growing demand for affordable meat products with much lower environmental impact than current animal husbandry practices, contest officials said. The project title: Modulus of Elasticity of the Ideal Decellularized Plant Material Scaffold for the Production of Cultured Meat.

Just by merit of being named finalists, Ilan and his 39 confreres will be awarded at least $25,000. The final competition among the 40 coming up will lead to awards for the top 10 winners ranging from $40,000 to the top prize of $250,000. That's in addition to the $2,000 each student received for being named a Scholar, which also included $2,000 for each of their schools.

Next year he will be studying bioengineering at Cornell.

"Having my senior year during a pandemic is very stressful and uncertain. We are all left wondering not only whether we will have prom or graduation, but even if we will still have school next week," he told Patch. "You always live in constant fear of getting the call that you have been exposed to someone positive for COVID and have to quarantine for two weeks. This uncertainty really makes you appreciate any fun you are able to have with your friends or any time you are able to interact with others."

Ilan talked to Patch about taking Byram Hills High School's 3-year science research course, which led to the award.

Patch: What made you decide, as a sophomore, to go that route?

Ilan: I joined my high school's science research program in my sophomore year in the hopes of making a meaningful impact in an issue I was passionate about. I knew the program was one of Byram Hills's crowning jewels, and I was inspired by my older sister's science research journey where she was able to conduct groundbreaking lymphatic research.

Patch: Would you recommend it to 9th graders trying to decide what their high school career will look like?

Ilan: This is a rigorous program, but I highly recommend it to any students who are passionate about science and interested in going beyond the confines of normal schoolwork. Science research was truly the most meaningful experience of my high school career.

Patch: When and how did you figure out your research topic?

Ilan: After exploring many different topics and conducting an exhaustive search for a research mentor, I connected with a researcher from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (now at Boston College), Dr. Glenn R. Gaudette, whose research was focused on something that seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie. After reading a few journal articles, I discovered that cultured meat, also known as lab grown meat or clean meat, was in fact a very real thing with unimaginable benefits. This was where I first found my topic, but I truly fell in love with the concept of cultured meat after reading a book recommended by my mentor called “Clean Meat” by Paul Shapiro. When I read about the potential of cultured meat to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate food insecurity by providing an alternate and affordable source of meat, and limit animal cruelty practices, it seemed too good to be true, and unfortunately, it was. The process of growing cultured meat is not yet scalable or cost-effective enough to affordably sell at a commercial level. This is largely due to the currently ineffective and expensive artificial scaffolds, or structures, on which the meat is grown. The idea to use decellularized plant materials, or plants with all of their cells removed, as scaffolds, was first proposed by my mentor as a scaffold for growing heart transplants due to their low cost, widespread availability, high biocompatibility, and strong vascular system. These characteristics are even further suited for the large-scale production of cultured meat, and therefore my study was focused on identifying which decellularized plant type was most suited for the growth of cultured meat.

Patch: What was the most fun?

Ilan: The most fun part of my research was definitely being involved in weekly lab meetings with my mentor and his graduate students. Being able to share my research and get meaningful feedback, as well as give my own input on the fascinating research that others were conducting truly made me feel as though I was an active member of the scientific community.

Patch: What was hardest?

Ilan: The most difficult thing I had to do in this project was adapting my research plan to be done in my garage rather than in a university lab due to COVID-19. My utilization of common household goods, namely dish soap, plastic bags, and chopsticks, instead of professional equipment, required much improvisation and engineering to still produce a valid study.

I am very grateful for the support of my science research teachers, my mentor Dr. Gaudette, and my family.

SEE ALSO:

• 33 Hudson Valley Students Named Regeneron Scholars
• Science Contest Finalist Almost Didn't Take Research Course

Editor's Note: Jared Ilan attends Byram Hills High School. One reference to his school was incorrect in the original version of this report. Patch regrets the error.