Smithtown High School East Student Named Regeneron Finalist

Smithtown High School East senior Emily Anne Peterson was recently named a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search program.

Peterson is one of 40 student finalists 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.

The grand prize is a total of $250,000.

Peterson is one of three Long Island students who were named finalists.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Emily Peterson and we couldn’t be more proud of this amazing accomplishment,” Smithtown High School East Principal Dr. Kevin Simmons said. “Emily’s quiet and unassuming demeanor masks the brilliance of a seasoned researcher that is well beyond her years."

Peterson’s project is “Lecithin-Retinol Acyltransferase in Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Relationship Between Oncology and Wound Repair.”

Squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, is lacking in the expression of Lecithin-Retinol Acyltransferase (LRAT), a protein involved in both wound healing and cancer.

She explored the role of LRAT in both wound healing and cancer progression by completing tissue culture, skin sheet formation, and analysis of the regulation of the genes involved with invasion, intercellular cohesion and coagulation.

In addition, she explored the genetic sequence homologies of LRAT to other proteins of interest utilizing computer coding. Peterson worked with Dr. Marcia Simon at Stony Brook University.

"Her success has been realized due to her steadfast approach, insatiable work ethic, and her unparalleled inquisitiveness.” Simmons said.

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

“I am so proud that Emily has been selected as a Regeneron finalist,” Zeitlin said. “She has an intuitive sense for scientific investigation and a tremendous work ethic.”

Congratulations to Emily Anne Peterson!

Photo Caption: Smithtown High School East senior Emily Anne Peterson pictured with Smithtown High School East research coordinator Maria Zeitlin and Smithtown High School East Principal Dr. Kevin Simmons.

Photo courtesy of Smithtown Central School District