Student Spotlight: George Epstein

Student's Name: George Epstein

Age: 17

School:

Accomplishments:

• Academic Awards: Rensselaer Medal Award (2010), Yale Book Award (2010)
• Athletic Feat: Ran Cross Country in the New York State Qualifier (2010)

• Research Project: Science Research Project: "Effects of Ultrasound on the Internal Cellular Environment of HuH7 Tumor Cells" (2010-2011)

• Volunteering: Dobbs Ferry Volunteer Ambulance Corps (Junior member/ Aid) (2009-2011), A/V Setup at the South Presbyterian Church for Sunday School classes (2007-2011)

• Other: Lead Roles in school plays (2009-2011)

Key to Awesomeness:

"I began the science research program at the start of my sophomore year originally intent on following my passion for medical research. The course involves a high-level amount of journal article research familiarize oneself with the subject of interest.

After sophomore year, I began finding articles more geared towards biomechanics and biophysics, which I found to be more appealing. From that I formulated my final research idea (working with ultrasound treatment) and worked to find a mentor.

After much painstaking search including shadowing doctors, forging many useful contacts, etc., I was finally accepted to work in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. It was there that I began and completed my project on the 'Effects of Ultrasound on the Internal Cellular Environment of HuH7 Tumor Cells.' Now I have been applying to and attending science symposiums and competitions to share my findings and my work.

I joined the Dobbs Ferry Volunteer Ambulance Corps. in October of 2009. It was here that I learned CPR and took first aid training in preparation to go on ambulance calls. This is perhaps the most exhilarating part of the job.

I have been running on DFXC and DF Track for six years now. I began as a runner on the modified team. I started running because—to be blunt—I lacked any real skill in any other sport...

But on that rare occasion that I was able to hit the baseball (or more commonly, get a walk) I would run my heart out and no one could get me out. It was always the other guys that made that last out of the inning. So I started running."