Island Trees High Student Named Top 300 Regeneron Scholar

LEVITTOWN, NY—An Island Trees High School student is one of 36 Long Island students who have been named 2020 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars, the nation's oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition.

Almost 2,000 students entered the competition this year, and Sheryl Lin has successfully made it past the first selection process of the competition.

Lin submitted a project titled “Project Title: Artesunate and Quercetin in Combination – Mitigation of Amyloid Plaque-Induced Cytotoxicity in Alzheimer’s.” Sheryl’s goal was to develop a combination therapy to help reduce amyloid plaques in patients with Alzheimer’s, inspired by the design of anti-malarial therapies.

"Your exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking makes you a true role model and inspiration for us all. Congratulations on being selected as one of 300 Regeneron scholars. We look forward to seeing you progress in this amazing journey and wish you the best of luck!" Jodie Spinale, the school's science coordinator, said.

Applicants are from 659 high schools in 49 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and eligible students living in eight other countries.

In addition to being named a top 300 scholar, Sheryl will receive a monetary prize of $2,000. Regeneron will also award Island Trees High School with $2,000 to use towards STEM-related activities.

The top 40 finalists of the competition will be announced on Wednesday, January 22 . Each finalist will receive $25,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 5 -10 for the final competition.

The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala award ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 10.