Smithtown High School West Student Named Regeneron Scholar

SMITHTOWN, NY - A Smithtown High School West student was recently named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar.

Alexander Rodriguez, of Smithtown, 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.

He was honored for his research on “A Genomic and Pharmacological Analysis of Adenosine Receptors in the Sea Anemone Nematostella vectensis.”

Rodriguez’s work is the first to show that the tiny sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis, possesses functional purinergic receptors.

These receptors are important because they are involved in physiologic functions such as sleep and coronary regulation.

Rodriguez focused on analyzing the genomic and pharmacological properties of purinergic receptors in this basil organism. He hopes that his work will lead to a better understanding of the evolution of these receptors.

He has been working on his project since his sophomore year in the in-house science research lab at West.

Dr. Joanne Figueiredo, his mentor and science research coordinator at Smithtown High School West, said, “Alex is an outstanding student who has put together a very impressive body of work. He has all the attributes of a scientist: he is inquisitive, smart and willing to do all that it takes to accomplish his goals!”

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."

Rodriguez 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 Alexander Rodriguez!

Image via Smithtown School District