Commack Student Named Top Scholar in Regeneron Talent Search

COMMACK, NEW YORK—The Commack School District is proud to announce that Commack High School senior Soyoun “Ashley” Moon was named one of the top scholars in the country in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

Ashley was selected from 1,805 applications from 603 high schools across 46 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 8 other countries. Each scholar receives a $2,000 award with an additional $2,000 going to his or her respective school, resulting in $1.2 million in total scholar awards from Regeneron.

Scholars were chosen based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists—as evidenced through the submission of original independent research projects and essays.

Ashley’s research project on animal science is titled Exploring Sexual Dimorphism and Sex Hormone Receptor Expression in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST) in the Monogamous Prairie Vole. Ashley completed the research for her project at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

Ashley's dedication to science is demonstrated by her enrollment in two different Science Research classes, while maintaining academic leadership status in a rigorous IB Diploma curriculum. She balances her studies with community service work, being a varsity level athlete, and serving as editor of the school newspaper. Ashley plans to continue her interest in science, particularly environmental science, as she begins her college career.

For more information about the Commack School District, please visit the District's website at commackschools.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/commackschooldistrict.