Levittown Senior Named Semifinalist In Prestigious Science Competition

LEVITTOWN, NY — A Levittown senior has been named as a semifinalist in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search, the oldest science and math competition for high school students in the nation.

Melody Hong, of MacArthur High School, will receive $2,000 and another $2,000 will go to the school.

Hong's research was inspired by her grandmother, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. She developed alternative statistical methodologies to better identify a genetic variant called trans-MQTL, which is tied to certain complex diseases like Alzheimer’s and Type 1 diabetes.

"It’s an affirmation that my hard work was worth it, and I’m glad to be recognized for
that," Hong said, "but it’s also been a tremendous win for the community — for my family,
for Levittown and MacArthur, and also my church and my Korean American community."