McLean Student Named Semifinalist In National Science Competition

MCLEAN, VA—A McLean student was named a semifinalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, a prestigious national math and science competition. Jasmine Terrones, a senior at The Potomac School, was among 300 students chosen out of 1,800 entries. She received a $2,000 award, and The Potomac School will receive $2,000 to support STEM education.

Terrones has been working on her project for two years examining the effects of Wi-Fi radiation. “Technology often develops much more quickly than research into its possible adverse health effects," she says. "Wi-Fi is a great example; virtually everywhere we go, we are exposed to Wi-Fi radiation–and we don’t know if it will have a long-term effect on our health.”

She conducted the experiment on multiple generations of fruit flies, concluding there was an increase in DNA damage for flies continuously exposed to Wi-Fi radiation. "It remains to be seen if my ‘Wi-Flies’ can tell us anything about the potential effects on human health – but it’s definitely a question that merits further exploration," Terrones said.

Dr. Isabelle Cohen, her research advisor, guided her through the project even during the summer. "These were thoughtfully designed and carefully conducted experiments, reflective of the innovation and creativity that are foundational to success in scientific research," says Cohen.

The competition, held by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and the Society for Science & the Public, selects students "based upon their scientific research and also on their overall potential as future leaders of the scientific community." Science Talent Search alumni gone on to make substantial contributions to science and medical treatment and hold honors such as the Nobel Prize and the National Medal of Science.

The competition has gone on to name 40 finalists. Three Fairfax County students from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology received this honor and will go on to present their projects for awards up to $250,000 in March.

Image courtesy The Potomac School