Three POBJFKHS Students are Regeneron Scholars

Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School seniors Christina Pan, Syon Khatter and Richard Austin Wong have been named 2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars in recognition of their research projects. Christina, Syon and Richard are among just 300 students out of 2,162 entrants—from 712 high schools across 46 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and 10 other countries—to be selected this year in the prestigious science contest.

Scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search are recognized based on the quality of their research, their leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics and creativity in asking scientific questions, all qualities that demonstrate the selected scholars’ exceptional promise as the next generation of STEM leaders. Each scholar will be awarded $2,000 and placed in the running to become a Regeneron Science Talent Search finalist, which grants a trip to Washington D.C. to compete for a piece of $1.8 million in prize money.

Christina’s project, A Novel Application of the Fenton Reaction in the Chemical Upcycling of Polystyrene, looks into how a specific chemical reaction could be used in the recycling of Styrofoam.

Syon’s project, Investigating Impacts of Sucralose on Hedonic Feeding Behaviors in C. elegans as a Model for Prevention and Treatment of Obesity and Eating Disorders, studies the ways artificial sweeteners can affect obesity and eating disorders.

Richard’s project, Temporal Phage Therapy: A Strategy for Managing MRSA Resistance Utilizing Bacteriophage Sb-1, addresses ways to use specially made viruses to combat bacteria that has become resistant to antibiotics.

“Our District prides itself on cultivating the skills necessary for success in STEM,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mary O’Meara. “We are so happy that our student researchers have been able to leverage these skills to gain recognition in this prestigious contest.”

“Our student researchers have a long history of success across regional, national and international science competitions. Christina, Syon and Richard are continuing that history,” said POBJFKHS Principal Dr. Heather Dvorak. “On behalf of all of us at POBJFKHS, congratulations to each of you for this well-deserved recognition!”

For more information about the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, please visit the District’s website at www.pobschools.org. Exciting activities happening throughout the District and programs celebrating student achievement can also be found on the District’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pobschools/.