Four Smithtown High School East Seniors Named Semifinalists in Regeneron Science Talent Search

Four seniors from Smithtown High School East have been named semifinalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search program.

Under the direction of Smithtown High School East research coordinator Maria Zeitlin, the semifinalists submitted their research for recognition.

Out of eight total submissions, these four students were recognized among the 300 scholars throughout the United States: Vishrath Kumar for his project “Tune Jump Quadrupole Strength Optimization for AGS Polarization Preservation;” Erika Nemeth (who was also named a Siemens regional finalist) for her project “Cell-Based Delivery of Gene-Silencing Products via Gap Junction;” Emily Ann Peterson for her project “Lecithin-Retinol Acyltransferase in Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Relationship Between Oncology and Wound Repair;” and Ruisi Zhong for her project “Activation of Ventral Subiculum Neurons by Cued Emotional Learning.”

The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science and the Public, is the nation’s most prestigious pre-college science competition.

Each year, 300 Regeneron STS scholars are awarded $2,000 with an additional $2,000 going to their high schools to support STEM education.

From that select pool of scholars, 40 student finalists are invited to Washington, D.C., in March to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists, and compete for awards, including the top award of $250,000.

Congratulations to the four semifinalists!

Photo Caption: Smithtown High School East Principal Dr. Kevin Simmons, Regeneron semifinalists Vishrath Kumar, Emily Ann Peterson, Ruisi Zhong and Erika Nemeth with Smithtown High School East research coordinator Maria Zeitlin.

Photos courtesy of Smithtown Central School District