Ossining High School Students Named Intel Semifinalists

Four Ossining High School students were named semifinalists in the prestigious Intel Science Talent Search this week, bringing to 45 the total number of Ossining students to make the semifinals since 2001.

“We are so pleased that the hard work of all involved
has been recognized by the most prestigious pre-college science competition in the country,” said Dr. Phyllis Glassman, superintendent of the Ossining Union
Free School District.  “This is an outstanding achievement for our students, our teachers, our administrators, our
high school and our district. I am ever so proud to be part of the Ossining School District family that continues to soar to newer and higher heights.”

This year’s winners—Caleb Hersh, Daniel McQuaid, Eitan Rude and Sam Rude—studied topics including sleep deprivation in adolescents, water toxicity testing, metabolic disorders and cancer cell suppression.

All of the students are members of Ossining’s Fundamentals of Science Research Program, which has 80 participants in grades 10, 11 and 12. Two science research teachers, Valerie Holmes and Angelo Piccirillo, oversee the
students who also work with noted scientists in universities and research labs.

“This never gets old,” said Holmes. “Every time our students are named it is new and exciting for us. It is really rewarding to work with such exceptional students and to see how much they appreciate being part of this
learning community.”

While all four received their share of high-fives and compliments as word spread of their achievements, none seemed phased by the attention. Asked if his parents were treating him any differently in light of the honor, Sam
Rude smiled and said, “No, I still had to hang up my jacket last night.”

Daniel, who was also named a regional finalist in the Siemen’s Competition this year, said he was happy but surprised to have a second research project honored. “I was more surprised than anything,” he said, adding
that the most rewarding part of the science research experience had been “the support I received from Mr. Piccirillo and Ms. Holmes especially since I had two papers to write.”

Daniel’s project, “Identification of Post-Translational Regulation Sites on the KLF6 Tumor Suppressor as Novel Targets for Cancer Therapies,” examined ways to increase the life of a protein called KLF6, which appears to kill cancer cells when activated. By altering the molecule, Daniel said, it might be possible to extend the half-life of the protein and thereby increase its anti-cancerous properties.   

Caleb’s project, “Quantifying the Impact of Nighttime Light Exposure and Sleep Duration on Melatonin Levels in Adolescents,” was the first research to examine on a hormonal level the impact of chronic sleep deprivation in teens. Since adequate sleep is so important to overall health, Caleb’s goal is to eventually target behaviors that could improve sleep outcomes in adolescents.

Sam’s project, “Sustainable Fluidic Biochips Enhancing Cell Sensitivity and Longevity for Water Toxicity Measurements in the Field,” was aimed at developing a portable device for the military to test for water toxicity in the field.

Eitan’s project, “Caloric Restriction Regulates the Expression and Activity of Hepatic and Hypothalamic Active Regulator of SIRT 1 (AROS),” looked at ways to activate a protein that had the potential to prevent metabolic
disorders like diabetes and obesity.  

The Intel Science Talent Search, formerly known as the Westinghouse contest, is the nation’s oldest student science research competition. It is funded by the Intel Corp., a California-based computer chip company.
Semifinalists win $1,000 each and a chance to
compete for national scholarships, including a top prize of $100,000 while their high schools receive $1,000 matching awards. Forty finalists will be announced on January 23 and they will receive an all-expense paid trip to
Washington, D.C., where the top 10 winners will be named in March.