Smithtown High School East Student Named Regeneron Scholar

ST. JAMES, NY - A Smithtown High School East senior was recently named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar.

Anthony D'Amore, of St. James, was among the 53 Long Island students to be named a semifinalists in the nationwide competition, putting them in the running for nearly $2 million in awards.

D’Amore was recognized for his research, “Habitat Preference Drives Brain Shape in Crocodylomorphs”

He used a novel approach for mapping the endocranial structures within both extinct and extant crocodylomorphs.

Mentored by Dr. Alan Turner at Stony Brook University, D’Amore worked on par with graduate students to analyze anatomical evolutionary trends by using digital software to provide a novel
approach of modeling brain cavities.

“Anthony spent untold hours mapping structures, analyzing subtle changes of brain shape over evolutionary time, and connecting the information to habitat preferences of both modern crocs as well as extinct species,” said Maria Zeitlin, Smithtown High School East science research coordinator.

A total of 300 students nationwide chosen for the honor. They were selected from among 1,964 initial applicants.

Regeneron selected the scholars based on their research skills, academics, innovative thinking and "promise as scientists."

"Regeneron congratulates this year's Science Talent Search scholars, who have applied deep curiosity and rigorous research skills to the important scientific questions of today," said Hala Mirza, senior vice president of corporate communications and citizenship at Regeneron. "These students are the future leaders of tomorrow and are using innovative thinking to improve our world. We hope their achievements will inspire other young people to engage with STEM."

D'Amore and the other scholars each received a $2,000 award, and each of their schools will receive an additional $2,000.

Of the 300 scholars announced on Wednesday, just 40 will be selected as finalists on Jan. 23.

Those 40 will be given an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. from March 7 to 13, where they will compete for more than $1.8 million in prizes. Winners of the Regeneron Science Talent Search will be announced on March 12.

Congratulations to Anthony D'Amore!

Image via Smithtown School District