Two Shoreham-Wading River High School students have successfully submitted their research projects into the Regeneron Science Talent Search competition.

Derek Blanco and Dongkai (Alex) Zhang, who worked with support and encouragement from Science Research teacher Mrs. Dana Schaefer, have made SWR history with the entries.

Alex was a participant in the highly competitive High School Science Research Program at Brookhaven National Laboratory this past summer. He worked in the laboratory of Dr. Xiaohong Yu, whose research involves genetic modification of the Camelina sativa plant to increase fatty acid production in the plant, which would serve to both supplement livestock feed and act as a potential source of biofuel.

Derek has been analyzing the chemical composition of sediment collected from the Shoreham-Wading River High School campus pond both before and after a water main break that occurred a few years ago. His findings are in the process of being presented in manuscript form to be submitted for publication in a scientific education journal.

Derek’s and Alex’s applications are now in the process of being scored by a panel of Regeneron’s Ph.D.-level evaluators and considered for top awards. The top 300 scholars will be announced in early January 2024, followed by the announcement of the top 40 finalists in mid-January.

Date Added: 11/28/2023